Apoetic narrative charts the history of voting rights in the United States from the founders to the present, emphasizing that “A right isn’t right / Till it’s granted to all.”

A black woman at a blackboard instructs a class (and readers) in an inclusive “we” as the voices of democracy swell to affirm the expansion of voting rights. Diesen (in a dramatic departure from her Pout-Pout Fish series) and Mora effectively employ the drama of the turning page as, on each spread when the refrain is resounded, the number of people marching grows from two black women and a black man to a host of the historically disenfranchised. The final refrain is a crescendo, complemented by a double-page spread depicting a crowded, diverse line of marchers. As they march from left to right into the page turn, readers are reminded that “The journey’s not over / The work hasn’t ended / Democracy’s dream / Must be constantly tended.” The pages act as a timeline, and several illustrations depict historical figures, including Sojourner Truth, Abraham Lincoln, and John Lewis. (A backmatter key helps identify the many activists represented.) As an introduction, the volume focuses on the progress and not the obstacles, but caregivers can supplement the history, using the extensive backmatter addressed to them: information on related constitutional amendments and relevant legislation and a two-page list of voting rights activists.

A solid work of visual storytelling. (Informational picture book. 5-9)

-Kirkus Review

Rhyming text with a compelling refrain ("But we heard...Equality's call: A right isn't right till it's granted to all") and pictures that support and add detail to the story make this an excellent introduction to the civil rights movement.

The double-page spread that accompanies the refrain changes each time, with more and more people added to represent each group needing a voice and a vote.

There is some advanced vocabulary here; this book could work for preschool, but would probably be best supporting curriculum for K-3. Several of the words/concepts (e.g. citizenship, franchise, abolition) are used and explained in three paragraphs preceding the story, opposite the title page.

Back matter includes 1 DPS on Voting-Related Amendments and Legislation and 1 DPS on Voting Rights Activists. ( )

This book is an amazing representation of the Civil rights movement from the beginning to now. This book would be perfect to read when talking about the Civil Rights Movement or during Black History month. It also shows how people from many different skin tones and communities can come together for the greater good and that they can come together as one cohesive group. ( )

This book is a good introduction to young readers about the importance of being able to vote. I felt that this book is even more important in society today, as so many things are changing in our world. This book could be applicable to students in 2nd grade and above. ( )