Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America

by Deborah Diesen, Magdalena Mora (Illustrator)

Learn all about the history of voting rights in the United States—from our nation’s founding to the present day.

A right isn’t right
till it’s granted to all…

The founders of the United States declared that consent of the governed was a key part of their plan for the new nation. But for many years, only white men of means were allowed to vote. This history of voting rights looks back at the activists who answered equality’s call, working tirelessly to secure the right for all to vote, and it also looks forward to the future and the work that still needs to be done.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Activism, Childrens, Equality

48 pages, Hardcover

First published February 18, 2020

About the author

Deborah Diesen is the author of The Pout-Pout Fish, a rhyming children's picture book illustrated by Dan Hanna and published by Farrar Straus Giroux. Her book The Barefooted, Bad-Tempered Baby Brigade was published by Tricycle Press. She lives in Michigan. Visit her web site at www.deborahdiesen.com and her blog at jumpingthecandlestick.blogspot.com

http://us.macmillan.com/author/debora...

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Equality's call:
A right isn't right
Till it's granted to all."

From the very beginning of America, some people were allowed to vote on the things that concerned them. But many people were left out. This is the story, told in verse, of the movements, over time, to find legal ways to allow more and more Americans to vote in elections. It's a beautiful picture book for our youngest readers.

[Ms. Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A right isn't right
Till it's granted to all

Through rhyming verse, this book provides a look at the history of voting rights in America. While representation was supposed to be a strength of our new nation, in truth only white men who owned property were initially able to vote. But over the years, through the struggles and efforts of many people, more and more Americans were able to vote and make their voice heard.

This wonderful book is a testament to the countless individuals who fought and marched so their voice could be counted. The refrain 'a right isn't right/till it's granted to all' is repeated throughout the book as a growing crowd of people march across the page.

Review originally posted at Bookworms in the 'Burg: https://bookwormsintheburg.blogspot.c...

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good overview of voting rights and challenges in the United States. I was pretty skeptical that a picture book could cover such an in depth topic, but it was really well done. I learned a lot and was totally inspired! And what a timely book considering all of the nonsense that happened in the last national election. It was good to realize how much voting rights have changed since our country was founded. Hopefully we'll be able to keep changing them for the better.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our story begins in a classroom where students are studying voting rights. Then it jumps back to the beginning of America and it's founders focus on people voting. Well, certain people voting. The book goes back and forth between the classroom and historical happenings but is anchored with a variation on "But we heard ... equality's call: A right isn't right Till it's granted to all." The last version of the verse is "And each time we vote we acknowledge that past. We honor our rights to ensure they will last. For to vote is to answer Equality's call. And each time we vote... We vote with them all."

A timeline/list of voting related amendments and legislation is included at the back along with a list of a few of the many Voting Rights Activists. A note acknowledges that the work of ensuring everyone has a vote is ongoing and the book ends with a powerful question - How will you answer equality's call?

A much needed resource for both younger and older elementary. There really aren't enough books on the importance of voting for elementary aged kids.

[Ellie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equality's Call is a book that gives the history of voting in America. It talks about everything from the start of our country, covering a lot of the injustices that have occurred when it comes to voting. This book covers what a right means and how people have and continue to fight for every person's rights.

This book could be a great way to teach children about the history of voting. There are many conversations that can be brought up when it comes to voting, so this book could really open up many questions. This could also be a great way to talk about equality and what that word means.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful picture book shares the story of voting rights in America and reminds us that 'a right isn't right until it's granted to all!'

[Bookewyfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the importance of voting and fighting back in the face of oppression. Beautiful illustrations that are inclusive and diverse.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A right isn't right Till it's granted to all."

"The dream of democracy Wasn't yet true. There were changes to make. There was work still to do."

"The journey's not over. The work hasn't ended. Democracy's dream Must be constantly tended."

"For to vote is to answer Equality's call. And each time we vote...
We vote with them all."

Voting-related Amendments & Legislation and a list of Voting Rights Activists given in backmatter.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming text that makes for a read aloud that students will want to hear again and again as they explore/research the history of voting rights on their own. In the primary grades, the text and the illustrations can act as great conversation starters- "What are the author and illustrator trying to say?" Young students may enjoy reading aloud with you the repeated refrain, "Equality's call: A right isn't right Till it's granted to all." In the intermediate grades, this would make for a great launch into studying the lives of relevant historical figures as well as the legislation that has passed. (Really appreciated Diesen's inclusion of "voting-related amendments and legislation" in the book.)

ONE WISH AND MAYBE A DEAL BREAKER - There's an American Indian figure on several pages but no reference to who that person was or which tribe they are from. It's as though this figure "represents a mix" of tribes and for me, that is a big NO NO. In the appendix, several of the illustrated figures are pictured and listed by name with titles like "suffragist" and "abolitionist" but the illustrated American Indian figure is not identified. If this figure had been identified in some way - by name, group, specific context, this would not be an issue for me. (There is reference to a brief reference to the "Indian Citizenship Act" of 1924 - on a timeline in the main part of the book and this act is described briefly in an appendix.) A teacher might be able to rectify this issue by addressing it head on, asking, "Who is identified in the illustrations? Specifically? Generally? How might the representation of groups be problematic?" (Check out the sidebar "Choosing Children's Books & Activities About Native Americans" at https://www.colorincolorado.org/artic....) BTW if I missed some detail in the book that would rectify this issue, please let me know!! I've scoured it and really think I'm not off track.

ADDITIONAL NOTE - I MESSAGED DIESEN ABOUT THIS VIA TWITTER (Mora is not on Twitter) and she responded with - Sunday, thank you for your message! Per information I have from my editor (because I asked this question myself during the production process), Magdalena Mora researched American Indians who would have lived in Pennsylvania at the time of the signing of the Constitution. The character in the illustrations is Iroquois (specifically Mohawk), and her clothing was depicted to be consistent with what would have been worn at the time.
JUST WISH they'd included a note about this in the book somehow. I understand that authors and illustrators do not collaborate necessarily, but...

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Equality’s Call: the story of voting rights in America by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Magdalena Lora. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Beach Lane (Simon), 2020. $18. 9781534439580

BUYING ADVISORY: El (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Though America was founded on the principle of voting and representation, its was only white men of property who were actually allowed to do the voting. It took 1965 until The Voting Rights Act enforced the 15th Amendment, but even now the struggle for true voting equality still goes on.

Lora’s illustrations are absolutely the best part of Equality’s Call. Unfortunately the text is in short, rhyming bursts – not a medium that works well for such an important subject. I kept translating the rhymes into factual statements in my head. I wish for a total rewrite.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily grasped introductory title about how voting rights have evolved in the United States. In our current society a number of people, groups, and media could use a brief introduction or refresher regarding the evolution of U. S. Voting rights.
Good refrain used through out the book, “A right isn’t a right Till it is granted too all.
Best part of the book is the four page appendix. Two pages devoted to and alphabetical list of 59 activists, women and men, various races, and disabilities from the beginnings of the United States to current times.
Two pages devoted to Voting related Amendments and Legislation. Insightful comments in these brief paragraphs, for instance. The Indian Citizenship Act from 1924, granted citizenship to Native Americans, not all states complied until 1957.
We all need to learn the some of the details of our United States history.

[Pam Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this rhyming non-fiction book about the history of voting rights. While the book is simple, it is a great way to introduce voting inequities and changes over the years. The back matter includes amendments and legislation about voting and voting-rights activists.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations and the information in the back, but the rhyming, oh no, the rhyming bumped me all around. Nope.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book opens with a preface stating that in 1776 the founders of the United States of America declared that consent of the governed should be a key component of our country. The preface explains how the Founding Fathers didn't always agree on everything but they did believe the power of the government should come from the will of the people and that "citizens would express their choices by voting in elections." BUT as we know and the author explains... only some people were allowed to vote. Citizenship and the right to vote were not available to all.

"As our nation grew, our understanding of democracy and rights grew too. Many people stood up and spoke out about abolition (the end of slavery), about citizenship, about enfranchisement, and about civil rights (equal opportunity for all). They worked to end voter suppression (the practice of discouraging or preventing people from voting.)"

The text is very simple and rhyming with the phrase "A right isn't a right until it's granted to all." repeats on each page as we march through the history of voting rights. We begin with an illustration of women and a few men of all races and ethnicities demanding equality and suffrage.

It ends with "And each time we vote,
We acknowledge that past.
We honor our rights
To ensure they will last.

For to vote is to answer
Equality's call
and each time we vote ...
We vote with them all!"

I dislike the illustrations. The people's faces look like Muppets which is too bad. The illustrator chose to portray some real life figures like Lucretia Mott in her Quaker bonnet and Sojourner Truth but their faces aren't at all realistic. I spy Abraham Lincoln in his stovepipe hat. There are Native American women and Black women and men, Muslim women, farm workers, and women and men of all different skin tones.

This book is inspiring and I hope parents pick it up along and teach their kids how to stand up for voting rights. It's never too early to start.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhyming text briefly introduces the history of America’s legislative changes to voting rights since its founding. It recognizes the Founding Father’s intentions, and briefly explains why they need updating and revisiting. Repetition of the phrase “a right isn’t right till it’s granted to all” invites readers to investigate other civil rights laws.

The clever illustrations (Madgalena Mora) show a classroom of students being taught this history. As time marches on, so do those seeking more privileges, and the number of marchers increases. Backmatter describes a few citizenship and voting legislative acts, and a list of voting rights activists, which includes abolitionists, social reformers, politicians, and even George Washington. There is a difference from various sources concerning the year Native Americans got the vote; the year Diesel listed does not match my other sources.

Recommended for middle-upper elementary to introduce voting rights but would need considerable discussion of concepts like ‘franchise’, the importance of various Constitutional amendments, and the connection between citizenship and voting rights. The children studying this issue seem a bit young for the audience who would understand or be studying this topic.

[Erin O'Halloran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Equality's Call is an educational and informational book about voting rights back then. This book goes in order for who was given the right to vote. The author wrote this story flipping back and forth to the past and present. The present is a teacher is telling her students about equality but goes back to the past of the people who were living in these unfair times. I liked the repetition even though one group of people were allowed to vote does not mean everyone had the right to vote. So the author wrote after each a new set of people were allowed to vote, "A right is right till its granted to all." Just because that group now has the right to vote doesn't mean other people did. I like how the last page of this book includes the Amendments that explain what they were for and what year it became an amendment. This book is very heavy on vocabulary so it can make the story tough to comprehend. In the future after reading this book to students I will have them participate in a voting activity. I will have two choices of a topic like food and make it like a real poll. I will tell students that their vote is secretive. Students will come up one at a time to vote, put their vote in the box, and grab an "I voted" sticker.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America is a children's picture book written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Magdalena Mora. It is a poetic narrative that charts the history of voting rights in the United States from the founders to the present.

Diesen's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The lyrical and poetic text admirably traces the history of voting rights from the birth of the United States to the present moment. Backmatter has a list of amendments and voting rights activists. Mora's chalky mixed-media images show an ever-growing procession of determined people – abolitionists, suffragettes, famous activists, and ordinary citizens, who faced and fought obstacles to voting.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This outspoken tribute to suffrage alternates between a contemporary school where voting rights is the topic at hand, and vignettes that portray the signing of the U.S. Constitution and then forward through the many struggles to make consent of the governed a reality for all.

All in all, Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America is a solid work of visual storytelling.

[Lindsay Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equality's Call is an informational text about voting and how big changes were made to everyone in our country! This book is a a great choice to begin teaching your students or child about important facts about voting in our history! It tells the story about how change is possible, and change is a good thing! This book is good for grades Pre-school to Third Grade! You can use this book for Social Studies and have a wonderful history lesson where kiddos can dig deeper in past and present events, and how things change over time. You can also use this book during your Reading lessons to study rhyming, and enriched vocabulary words. This book is truly a wow book because kids need to know important events. Kids need to realize how many opportunities they have now due to events that happened in the past. Equality's Call is a powerful book to share because everyone needs to know that " a right isn't a right till it's granted for all."

[Linda Patchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written and illustrated picture book about the story of voting rights in America will prove an outstanding addition to public and school library collections. I was quite moved when I read it - both by the simple but powerful verse and the unique and poignant graphics. Diesen reminds the reader that as citizens our work is not done and that each time we vote we are in debt to those who fought and those who continue to fight for equal voting rights. The index is excellent, providing both a glossary of Amendments and Legislation and an alphabetical listing of Voting Rights Activists. The combination of story and resources makes this book a valuable springboard for further study on the subject and specific activists. Recommend for K-3 grades and the index section is useful for older grades as well.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In easy to follow rhyming text, this picture book gives young readers a long view of the struggle for voting rights in the USA. While the right to vote was established when our country began, "In fact, through the years, this great founding ideal, was extended to some, and for others not real."
The repeated motif of equality's call, "A right isn't right till it's granted to all" summarizes the theme of the book.
Back matter expands on the history of voting rights legislation with a timeline of significant amendments. Also included is a list of voting rights advocates through the years--giving credit to lesser known figures as well as those with whom many readers are familiar.
Use in conjunction with voting seasons, but also Black history, and related topics in US history and social studies. An excellent and accessible introduction to an issue that is current as well as historical.

[Caitlin]

Equality's Call tells the story of voting rights in the U.S., from the war for independence to the present, in clear, rhythmic language, packing a tremendous amount of information into a concise, clear, elegant book. This is made to be read aloud, and the pictures are there to be shared, strengthening the text.

Equality's Call would be a great read aloud, for a library or a class; one could easily build lessons around its rhythmic information. But it's also a great book for sharing with one's own little folks at home, a reminder of the work that went into suffrage, and the work that must continue now.

[Delaney Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as a great history lesson to young learners. It talks about aspects such as gender, reace, income, war, voting and more. It also discusses the injustice present during that time but equality was soon coming. I felt that this author did a great job at explaining these topics in a way that young learners could understand.

I would use this book in my classroom as a way to help my kids understand this aspect of history and why we are where we're at today. Understanding the hardships that many people of color once went through can help my students appreciate their peers of color even more.

[Ariana Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the history of voting rights in America. It started off with only rich white men being about to vote. Then, after fighting for the right, eventually other men were granted the right to vote. After more fighting, women were granted the right to vote and eventually, after even more fighting and marching, people of color were granted the right to vote. This book highlights the importance that advocating has in society and the importance of the right to vote. I would use this book in my classroom to encourage students to advocate for themselves and use their voice, because their voice matters.

[Maggie McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story goes in depth on the process of voting and how it has changed in history. When voting first came about, it was only open to white men. As more and more people wanted change, the rules began to change for voting. Once slavery was ended, some states allowed for women to vote. But, this wasn't enough. Soon, changes would be made so that all people could vote no matter how they looked, dressed, or acted. This story can be used in the classroom to teach students on the right to vote. The story shows students how the power of movement and protests allows for wishes to be granted. Changes can be made to the system if people stand up for themselves and others.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America is a book about the history of how everyone could vote, and how before everyone could vote how they decided who would vote and how that impacts everyone else who didn't fall under that list. This is a great book to introduce to children to teach them about history, this is a tricky topic as it is sensitive but this is a book talks about the topic is a great and appropriate for young children. One note that I will take from this book and apply In my classroom is, having books that talk about topics such as voting and how it was different than how today voting is.

[Paula King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the picture, and visuals provided. I thought the words were easy to follow and comprehend. It was not at all wordy or over complex. If I were a child reading this book, I would have love it as it showcased diversity, which is one of the important elements in book. Children can have the opportunity to share out their ideas and thoughts about what they might have noticed, something that is familiar (new) or want to keep exploring about. Also, I liked how even as I was reading it, I was still deepening my knowledge about the topic of voting. It was one of the fewer children's books that I actually enjoyed reading about.

[Nadina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A right isn't right till it's granted to all"
I feel like this is one of the most powerful lines of this book and one that extends beyond just voting.
I liked the layout of this book and the way it was written in verse. It has a good pace, but also a good beat when reading.
It is well written and easy to understand, and the illustrations complement the text nicely.
I really liked this book and I think it decribes voring rights very nicely in language that is easy for kids to understand.
I would definitely recommend this book to others.

[Deonna Hankerson]

The book is about voting rights. It talked about who was able to vote and who was not. It talked about how slavery ended and a law was passed. It also talked about how the voices of women was omitted in certain states. It talked about the amendments that were passed and legislations that passed for equality. "A right isn't right until its granted to all". This a statement that was throughout the book. It is a very powerful statement. I would add this book in my classroom because it talks about the voting rights in which I think all my students should know about

[Molly Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book told the story of voting rights in America overtime and gave brief explanations of the history of voting. I really liked how this story rhymed and how it did not have that much text on each page, because I think that made it more easily comprehensible for young children. I feel that this book is important to read to my future students because it helps them to understand why voting is so important, and how much work the people before us did in order for us to be able to choose to vote. I think this book would be a good one to read around election day.

[Izzy Harder]

Equality's call is a book that dives into the deep conversation of voting rights and history as a whole. It talks about the whole system and how oppression was a huge part of people's lives and still is. It is a book that should be read to all children as it does a wonderful job of showing the history of what minority groups went through and still go through to this day, even if it looks different. I would use this book during a history lesson and have a deeper conversation on how things have changed and what could still change to better the lives of everyone living in the nation/world today.