Leo’s dad has just become a U.S. citizen, which “means so much for our family.” Leo (brown-skinned) is excited that his dad has promised Leo can come along when he casts his first vote in a presidential election. At school, Leo’s teacher, Ms. Beck, is holding a mock election. Both at home and in class Leo learns more about elections and events leading up to them, like national conventions and debates. His dad listens to and learns about both candidates before deciding whom he’ll vote for. Leo is disheartened to hear his cousin say that he’s not planning on voting, since one person can’t really make a difference. Leo wonders if this is true—that one person’s vote doesn’t matter—but his class election proves that one person does make a difference when the winner is decided by a single vote. Information about voting and voting rights, some of it understandably simplified, is packed into this winning story that never feels didactic. The end matter about voting extends opportunities for learning in a picture book with lively, colorful mixed-media illustrations.

Get out the vote! In this kid-friendly picture book introduction to voting and elections, Leo's father teaches him about the importance of every single vote, and how to use their voices to uplift their community.

A NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Leo's dad is voting in his first election as a naturalized US citizen, and he promises to take Leo to the polls with him. Leo can't wait! But, after his cousin Ray casts doubt on the importance of a single vote, it'll take Leo's class mock election results, as well as a talk with his dad to convince him that each and every vote matters.

This lively picture book shows us how citizens decide who will be in charge, hitting key moments in an election, from voter registration to polling places, to staying in line, and features extensive backmatter for kids who want to dig deeper.