With so much emphasis on the presidential elections in the news, now is a good time to share books about voting, elections and the political process with your kids. If we want our kids to grow up to be responsible citizens, we need to talk about, and read them books about, these subject on a regular basis. Several of the books that I have recommended in my Childrens's Books about Elections and Voting are ones that your child will enjoy hearing more than once. For all of you in the U.S., I hope you have a wonderful time today celebrating the Fourth of July.

(Cover art courtesy of Clarion Books)

Written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter, The Librarian of Basra is a nonfiction picture book about how one determined woman helped save the Basra Central Library's books during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In a Harcourt interview, Winter was asked, "What do you want children to remember about the librarian of Basra?" She replied, "I would hope that children would take with them the belief that one person can truly make a difference. And that they would remember the bravery of one woman protecting what was important to her, especially when they feel powerless, as we all do sometimes." This is an excellent book, one I recommend for children 8-12 years old.

(Cover art courtesy of Harcourt)