Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Granny leads neighbors to vote in powerful election story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE WALK, Granny shows what being a leader means as she sets out, cane in hand, to gather up "treasured souls" from her community to travel to a special place. Her curious (and unnamed) granddaughter comes along as neighbors join in and together they "walk on," eventually arriving at the girl's school, closed for the day to serve as a poll site. Granny explains, this is where "grown folks speak up ... and say what is on their minds ... WE'RE VOTING." Granny and the girl wait until everyone has voted and the walk reverses, until it's just the two of them once more, walking back home.
Is It Any Good?
This inspiring, intergenerational story is lightly embedded with information and offers a natural entry into conversations about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The Walk is brought to luminous life by E.B. Lewis' realistic watercolor illustrations, which show a strong sense of community connection as neighbors, old and young, Asian, Black, White, and more, gather from homes, a Black barbershop, and other downtown stops to head to the polls together. The story alludes to ongoing efforts to suppress the vote in some communities, an important and difficult subject, made apparent and approachable by the determined Granny. Her love for her granddaughter, respect for her neighbors, commitment to voting, and quiet leadership leave readers feeling hopeful about efforts to secure and protect voting rights in the United States. A great pick as an early introduction to leadership and democracy in action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
After reading The Walk, families can talk about why voting is important. Have you ever voted for anything at school or at home? What's it like to have a voice in decisions?
What makes Granny a strong leader? How does she make a difference in her community? Have you ever had a chance to be a leader?
Why do you think that some people want to make it harder for other people to vote? How do you feel about that?
What do the illustrations show about Granny and Granny's neighborhood? What would be important to show in a drawing of yourself and your neighborhood?
The girl shows curiosity about the walk with her grandmother. What does she learn by asking questions? By watching? By listening? What are you curious about when it comes to elections and voting?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : E. B. Lewis
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harry N. Abrams
- Publication date : September 12, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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