We are one week away from elections in the United States. This election day will be life changing or saving for many people. Remember to vote with your own safety and freedom in mind. While you're at it, it may be cathartic to read a book or two about elections. These may be fictional settings, but the struggles will be quite real. Note that reading some of these may hit too close to home for the time being. Take care of yourself and read safely!
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston:
This book is about is about Alex Claremont-Diaz, First Son of the United States during the time of his mother's reelection campaign. While attending a royal wedding in London, he doesn't pass up a chance to mess with his rival, Prince Henry of Wales. The two have never gotten along, but when a minor altercation leads to big cake damage, their respective press teams decide the men must fake a friendship in public. Of course, they are also both physically attracted to each other. Will the time spent tolerating each other lead to more? How much more? And will it put the president's reelection chances in jeopardy? Read more about it in my review:
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed:
Two teens get suckered into door-to-door canvassing for a local candidate for senator by their parents one Ramadan. Jamie, a teen helping prep for his sister's Bat Mitzvah party, has already been volunteering, but he prefers to stay at the center. Maya is having a difficult Ramadan thanks to the announcement that her parents are divorcing. Their parents get to talking and soon the kids are starting to find out how much they can care about local politics and each other.
Fire Becomes Her by Rosiee Thor:
Ingrid lives in a world where fire magic and the rich control all. She comes from nothing and is trying to make it by in a world that does not want her. She plans to rise to the top with the help of her rich boyfriend. She desires a life in politics and comfort, but her role as an intern will remind her what is really important. Ingrid may not see herself as powerful, but the fate of her home will be affected by her choices. Follow along as she gets involved with a pivotal elections season. Read more about it in my review:
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson:
Although not a governmental election, this book features an election all the same. Liz Lighty has deciding to run for Prom Queen so that she can go to college. The story starts when she gets into her dream college but does not get the scholarship she needs. Although her grandparents would readily sell their house to get her into college, she would rather avoid that at all costs. She doesn't want to run for Prom Queen, but she will put her all into it. She will realize she wants her voice to be heard and her face to be seen. Read more about it in my review:
You Say It First by Katie Cotugno:
Meg has a very routine-based life, although not particularly interesting. Her relationship is boring, her college choice is predictable, and the calls she makes for the voter-registration office follow a script. When she ends up on a call with an aggravating teen named Colby, everything gets shaken up. She wants him to register to vote but cannot see why her leftist views may be hard to adopt for someone in his position. They form an unlikely attachment to each other and continue to talk about the problems of the world. He has seen tragedy and not much of a future. She comes from a place of privilege but can see what is wrong in the world. Meg and Colby will teach each other much about the world. Note that this book does not have Queer or Jewish content, but I could not leave it out of this list.
VOTE!
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