Purchase to Support Our Program

“The proud child of a newly naturalized U.S. citizen introduces the ins and outs of voting to younger readers, both in class as his teacher conducts a mock vote, and nationally by following his single dad during the run-up to a presidential election. …The author skips mention of specific issues or recognizable candidates, and explains the electoral college only in the back matter, where several examples of elections that did hinge on one vote or a tiebreaker can be found, too. …A timely, if earnestly purposeful, overview of a basic civil right, aimed at younger audiences but with some savvy pointers for new Americans of any age”

– School Library Journal

Leo’s First Vote!

Written by Christina Soontornvat
Illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Get out the vote! In this kid-friendly picture book introduction to voting and elections, Leo’s father teaches him about the importance of every single vote, and how to use their voices to uplift their community.

Leo’s dad is voting in his first election as a naturalized US citizen, and he promises to take Leo to the polls with him. Leo can’t wait! But, after his cousin Ray casts doubt on the importance of a single vote, it’ll take Leo’s class mock election results, as well as a talk with his dad to convince him that each and every vote matters.

This lively picture book shows us how citizens decide who will be in charge, hitting key moments in an election, from voter registration to polling places, to staying in line, and features extensive backmatter for kids who want to dig deeper.

Look for the Spanish version, ¡El Primer Voto de Leo!.

Primary ISBN: 9780593644263
Publication Date: September 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.

Engagement Materials

Storytime Activities

Source: Random House Children’s Books