Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kid learns every vote matters in engaging election tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
LEO'S FIRST VOTE! begins with young Leo celebrating and hugging his dad, who's just become a U.S. citizen. "This means so much for our family. Best of all, it means that he gets to vote for the president of the United States." But Leo learns there's a lot that goes into making that happen: registering to vote, getting to the polling place, watching the candidates talk about their views at their party conventions, on TV and radio, at televised debates, and even on the candidates' telephone calls to the house, and then studying the ballot before Election Day. Leo understands more about voting when his teacher stages a mock presidential election in his class and the students get to choose between the two candidates in the real national election. But the biggest lesson Leo learns is that every vote matters.
Is It Any Good?
This kid-friendly look at democracy and voting is perfect for election season and anytime. Leo's First Vote! does a great job of providing solid information about our electoral system—even the Electoral College—in the context of a thoughtful, engaging story of a kid and his dad. Isabel Roxas' stylized, mixed-media illustrations capture a variety of emotions, from concern over whether your vote really matters, to nervousness about who will win an election, to excitement about being part of the process, to joy (or anger and disappointment) when the last vote is counted and the results are final.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message that every vote counts in Leo's First Vote! Have you ever voted on something, like what movie to watch or what game to play or which pizza toppings to order? Did your vote make a difference?
What do people vote for in political elections? Leaders? Laws? Why is it important for people in a community or country to vote?
How does the story show positive communication and teamwork? Why are these important in an election?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Isabel Roxas
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 3, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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