Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast-paced novel about teens' quest to cast votes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
When THE VOTING BOOTH begins, it's Election Day. Marva, an 18-year-old activist who's been working to get out the vote, will be casting her ballot for the first time. While at the polling place, she sees another kid her age being turned away. Duke's family recently moved, and he's gone to the wrong site. She persuades him to skip school so that they can get to his polling place as early as possible, in case there are long lines or other glitches. The clock is ticking: Duke needs to get finished with voting in time to make it to his band's first paid gig. The pressure mounts when Marva's dad calls to tell her that the family cat, Selma, has gone missing. The two new friends launch a campaign to find her through the cat's social media account.
Is It Any Good?
This fast-paced tale stays lighthearted while broaching serious topics, including grief, gun violence, and the urgency of voting. In The Voting Booth, author Brandy Colbert brings us two relatable, positive main characters: a determined young woman who's as passionate about her community as she is about her beloved cat, and a sensitive, lovable young man whose self-awareness grows with every chapter. The one weakness of the story is stereotypical presentation of a couple of side characters, especially a White boyfriend who just doesn't "get" the implications of his privilege.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of solidarity in The Voting Booth. How do the parents, friends, siblings, and community members stand up for each other?
The Voting Booth alternates between Marva's point of view and Duke's. How did the two perspectives help you understand the story?
Marva and Duke use social media in numerous ways. How do you use social media?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : August 30, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 293
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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