When You Grow Up to Vote: How Our Government Works for You by Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Markel, Grace Lin
Published by Roaring Brook Press on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 1626728798
Pages: 96
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With short chapters covering everything from garbage collection to becoming President of the United States, Roosevelt’s 1932 original storybook for children covers all aspects of public service, including the importance of being an active participant by voting.  Each chapter begins with a bright illustration by Grace Lin and easy to understand descriptions of the various job titles that help towns and cities and states and ultimately the nation function. While the text has been updated and modified to represent how our government works in the 21st century, it is a wonder to read passages where Roosevelt refers to “my husband.”  Offering a great overview of our nation’s government and the role of civil service, this book will fit nicely in all elementary libraries. It’s only disappointment is Lin’s black and white drawings which seem so drab compared to those in color.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook