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Reviews
When You Grow Up to Vote: How Our Government Works for You by Eleanor Roosevelt, Michelle Markel
jennifermreads's review
4.0
A primer for young readers about the United States government, from local to federal, including discussion of some government employees.
In my mind, it is never too early to start learning about our government and how it works. Voting is a right but also a privilege. A right that should be approached thoughtfully and, one hopes, after careful research, reading, and education on issues. Eleanor Roosevelt’s book, updated by Michelle Markel with helpful illustrations by Grace Lin, is a terrific introduction to our government’s structure and the voting process. My only complaint is that I really, really would like to see Mrs. Roosevelt’s original book now so I could see what was her writing and what was updated. Some changes are obvious: there have been changes in our government after all. But, are her words still in this book? Or just her overall idea of the book?
In my mind, it is never too early to start learning about our government and how it works. Voting is a right but also a privilege. A right that should be approached thoughtfully and, one hopes, after careful research, reading, and education on issues. Eleanor Roosevelt’s book, updated by Michelle Markel with helpful illustrations by Grace Lin, is a terrific introduction to our government’s structure and the voting process. My only complaint is that I really, really would like to see Mrs. Roosevelt’s original book now so I could see what was her writing and what was updated. Some changes are obvious: there have been changes in our government after all. But, are her words still in this book? Or just her overall idea of the book?
suzannedix's review
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.
cmw119's review
4.0
This was a cute book for children to learn about not only the voting process but about how a community works as well. It’s written at more of a middle grade level for independent reading but could be for a younger age group with a teacher or parent doing guided reading.
earldizon's review
4.0
This updated edition of how the government works features illustrations by Grace Lin which is why I picked it up in the first place. But the more I learn about Eleanor Roosevelt and the things she did (including creating this primer of sorts for kids), I'm just amazed.
backonthealex's review
4.0
Originally written in 1932, this book has been updated for today's world. Using simple, objective language, Mrs. Roosevelt deconstructs the different levels of government that exist in a democracy and how they operate, beginning at the local (town, city) level, then on to the state government, and finally the federal government. Each level covers the different jobs to which people are elected, the services they are expected to perform, and the importance of their jobs in the lives of their constituency. The importance of voting and what happens when a person goes to the polls is very nicely explained (and without any partisanship). In the end, young readers will understand just how elections impacts their lives, the life of their community, and of democracy as a whole. Admittedly, civics isn't always the most exciting subject for kids, but if you plan on teaching it, this is by far one of the best books on the rights and duties of citizenship I've ever used to teach kids. Grace Lin's colorful illustrations are simple, informative and reflect the diverse nation we are. My personal feeling is that to be a responsible voter, you need to be a responsible citizen and part of that is knowing and understanding how the government works and why your vote matters. As Eleanor Roosevelt wrote in 1932: "Someday...you are going to vote. You will help choose men and women to govern the country. But to vote well you will need to know about a great many things, interesting things."
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
4.0
Such a lovely reboot of this classic text, really shows the government and how it works in a very concrete way that follows how our Social Studies standards are expressed.
kcwreads's review
4.0
I liked that it talked about city, county, state and federal government all in one book. Not quite sure what ages it would be best for, probably mid elementary school. (It could be both too basic for those with high interest in politics, and too complicated for younger students).
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