Published: 2020
Author: Brandy Colbert
Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Politics
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 9-12
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: The Voting Booth
Triggers: Racial Issues and Loss
Review By: Heather Kent
Publisher’s Summary
Marva Sheridan was born ready for this day. She’s always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election? Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election. He just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band’s first paying gig tonight. Only problem? Duke can’t vote. When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. She hasn’t spent months doorbelling and registering voters just to see someone denied their right. And that’s how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. They may have started out as strangers, but as Duke and Marva team up to beat a rigged system (and find Marva’s missing cat), it’s clear that there’s more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy. Romantic and triumphant, The Voting Booth is proof that you can’t sit around waiting for the world to change, but some things are just meant to be.
Review
I loved this book! I think the author did a great job of creating characters that you could relate to with great backstories. The book urges us not to wait for change but be active and create change. It shows readers how important it is to exercise your right to vote no matter what you have to do. It combines just the right amount of humor and romance making it a great read for people of all ages. I particularly fell in love with the newest activist and Instagram star, MarvaĊ cat Eartha Kitty.
Classroom & Curricular Connections
- Social Studies / Civics: This text is an excellent resource for examining American democracy, the voting system, voting rights, and the systemic barriers that citizens encounter at polling stations.
- ELA / Realistic Fiction: It serves as a great study on dual-perspective narratives, contemporary character development, and using pacing to mimic the “whirlwind” timeline of a single-day journey.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The book highlights themes of civic responsibility, dealing with personal loss, and the importance of active community participation.
Diversity & Representation:
The story directly addresses modern racial issues, systemic disenfranchisement, and diverse adolescent experiences. By presenting two distinct Black teen protagonists navigating both personal responsibilities and civil duties, the narrative provides nuanced and relatable representation of young activism.
Readalikes
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- Running by Natalia Sylvester
- Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
- You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
- Frankly in Love by David Yoon
