This book tried to cover too many topics which made it feel unfocused and chaotic.

I like how YA can tackle such important topics in a digestible way for teens and young adults, but the writing felt very juvenile which was odd considering how the f word was used a few times. I don’t feel like incorporating curse words is appropriate in books meant for teenagers. And now seeing that the publisher is Disney, I am even more shocked!

The story also sent confusing messages. I completely agree that voting is extremely important - but it should not be used as an excuse to skip school. I don’t like how the message of how it’s ok to skip school. Even a parent said oh you should be allowed to skip school- have some fun and here’s a sandwich I made for you. (What?!)

A lot of what was discussed regarding race seemed to be quite stereotypical and thus missed the mark. As a positive, it was great how Juneteenth and other aspects of Black culture and traditions were showcased in the story.

The whole book felt very negative and made it seem that voting was inaccessible. The topics of early voting and voting by mail were never discussed. It makes me wonder how much research was done when writing this book.

This could have been a great YA book that showed another generation of voters how important it is to research candidates, vote in all elections from local and national and to vote in every election. Instead it was negative and tried to cover way too many topics at once.

The one star rating is due to the messy timeline and how it went in far too many directions. It tried to be like some popular books where all of the action takes place in one day, but this felt too rushed And the pacing was forced.

THE VOTING BOOTH is a timely and necessary read before Election Day 2020. Politics junkie Marva and musician Duke are both voting for the first time, but at the polls, Duke’s name is nowhere to be found on the voters’ list. Marva comes to his aid and is determined to help Duke cast his ballot. Over the next 24 hours, the pair skip school to advocate for others whose votes are being suppressed, and develop feelings for each other.

Marva and Duke are dynamic characters and their rapport gives Colbert the opportunity to explore themes of family dynamics, racism, life goals, college decisions, and self-confidence. Marva deals with the stress of her elite private school and the micro-aggressions perpetuated by her predominantly white classmates. Duke navigates the grief of his brother's death and coming terms with his feelings. They have a convincing relationship where sometimes they say the wrong thing or make assumptions about each other. Over the course of the day, their friendship blossoms into one of mutual respect and support. There's a cute subplot about Marva's cat being Instagram famous that ties into helping voters stuck in long poll lines.

Colbert does an excellent job demonstrating why votes matter (even as young Americans) and how youth civic engagement can make a difference.

THIS WAS AMAZING!

Between the incredibly extensive characters who were multi-dimensional, to the social commentary on being Black in America, and the everyday, to the incredibly fun one-day story, this needs to be on everyones shelves - especially US readers.

I am so... wow. Genuinely wowed by how quickly I fell in love with these characters and the impact they make. PLUS it's a YA with characters who are 18!! !!!!! HELLO?! 18!! I'm so so happy a greater age group is being explored in YA with topics more than just petty high school drama. This! I just! AH!

Full coherent review on my blog :)

My first Brandy Colbert novel definitely do not disappoint! This book was so well paced and I really enjoyed how organically Colbert developed Marva and Duke’s relationship over the span of one day.

I also appreciated that topics such as voter suppression were brought up in a YA novel. I actually learned a couple of things about voting in general and this is such an important topic that needs to be talked about.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!**

In The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert, Duke just wants to get the day over with so he can go play with his band at their first gig. Meanwhile, Marva has been waiting for this moment for as long as she can remember. But when Duke gets turned down to vote because he’s not registered, Marva makes it her mission to make sure he gets his vote in.

I was pretty excited to read The Voting Booth and even tried not to know too much about it. I knew it had to do with politics, hence the title, but I wanted to know nothing else and have it all be a surprise. And I’m so happy that it’s what I did. This book is a light and fun book but the message that it holds is heavy and important, especially to the youth of America.

First off, reading this during an election year was such an experience. You can feel the power behind being able to vote and the importance of it to the different communities. I think to truly appreciate the book and its impact, now would be the best time to read this book, especially as the elections get closer. I could feel that sense of urgency and excitement about being able to vote for the future of America, and I applaud Brandy Colbert on being able to do that.

One of my favorite parts was how the story focuses mostly on the Black community and their voices on voting as well as being activists. We see multiple angles of this, from doing sit-ins and protests, to the actual voting itself. It shows us a bit about the difference between communities and how the importance almost differs. Where some people vote for their favorite guy to get into the house, the book focused on how voting actually affects the country and these smaller communities.

It focused on the reasons why people actually vote, and how those reasons are to better help their communities grow, and how they want their voices to be heard. We also got to the process of being able to vote. How people have to register and what happens when they’re not registered. It brought up the struggles of not being able to get mail-in ballots and how at times, certain communities in low-income areas run out of ballots so that hundreds of Americans aren’t able to vote.

We meet people who are privileged and are able to vote and not want to, compared to those who want to vote but can’t. We hear voices of people who are voting for the first time, like Marva and Duke, and then people who’ve been standing in line ever four years for as long as they can remember. We get to read about the social injustice these characters go through that mirror the very lives of actual Americans and how that affects the way people think and act.

I could truly go on and on about how much of an impact this book can make and how much people need to read it simply because of its message, but the book did also feature other things. In the middle of the voting trial, Marva and Duke are getting to know each other, from being literal strangers to what we get in the end. And we’re introduced to a diverse cast of characters, both in the voting world and in their separate lives.

It’s one of those books that once we get to the end, we want to know what else they’re going to do next. We see a bit of Duke and his bandmates, as well as Marva and her famous online cat. But my favorite part was reading about their families. I found myself wanting to know more about their parents and even Duke’s siblings. I would even take separate books about his siblings if I could.

With their stories, it shows what it’s like to be a Black young adult in America and the expectations that people have for you who are on the outside. Especially with the way that Ida’s, Duke’s sister, political journey almost mirrored their brother’s, Julian. And I absolutely loved how even though Julian wasn’t physically around to be in the story, he still made such an impact that is felt through the entire book and I wish Brandy would write his story. Especially today when his voice is the most important.

I will be honest. I had an internal battle trying to rate this book. I almost gave it four stars because I wanted more between the main characters and the outside cast, but then I thought about what the book was really about and I had no other choice. This book deserves all five stars and it deserves to be in everyone’s bookcases. Brandy Colbert became one of my automatic buy authors for sure. The Voting Booth is a cute romance story, with such a deeper and meaningful message that can make you talk for hours. And I’ll just leave this off by saying that everyone needs read this book before November.

The Voting Booth is a quick and easy read about two Black 18-year-olds (one biracial Black/White) on Election Day trying to cast their votes for the first time. Marva Sheridan's passion is campaigning for people to get out the vote, and she's determined that her first time voting will be perfect... or it would be if her long-time boyfriend hadn't told her that he's decided to abstain from voting. Duke Crenshaw is voting in memory of his late older brother, who was passionate about politics and community organizing. When Marva witnesses Duke being turned away from the polls, she steps in to help him find a way to cast his vote.

This is my first Brandy Colbert book, and I can see that she writes wonderful characters. Marva and Duke both felt distinct and dimensional, with commonalities and differences. Throughout the course of the 12-hour day this story covers, their conversations range from voter suppression and apathy, to racism and interracial relationships, to music and bologna sandwiches and college. The Voting Booth broaches so many important topics in a way that feels very natural and fitting. I had a really good time with this one. 3.5 stars

TW: past death of a sibling, mentions of racism and police brutality

Such a cute contemporary YA. It's a all-in-a-day love story, with social justice and the importance of voting, along with internet famous cats thrown in. Colbert wrote two really good, different, characters. I also felt Alex a lot, probably because he reminds me a lot of my own white self. It just made me so happy.

Marva and Duke are both 18 years old and eligible to vote for the first time. Marva has been waiting her whole life for this chance, and is determined to also help others vote as well. At the election site she meets Duke, also Black and 18 years old. Duke is told he is not registered in that precinct, so Marva offers to drive Duke to another polling location. Casting a vote turns out to be an all-day ordeal, and the two teenagers get to know a lot about each other during that day. Duke is still reeling from the death of his older brother, who was a strong advocate for racial justice. Marva is dealing with a long-term boyfriend who has decided not to vote and her Instagram-famous cat who is missing. The entire story takes place in one long day (much like The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon). Great characters and an intriguing premise and also a serious look at voter suppression. I predict that my middle school readers will love it. Recommended for grades 7-up.

Told in their alternating points of view, two teens meet on Election Day while casting their votes for the first time. Perfect timing for 2020, this book shows both the importance of voting and the realities some people face while trying to do so. It touches on voter registration, polling places being closed in certain areas without notice, the difficulties of being able to vote without transportation, a day off, etc. This book also shows how one person can make a difference in so many ways, how a community can come together, the different ways you can be an activist for causes you believe in, dealing with anxiety, recovering from a loss, and being true to yourself. Oh and there's a great possible romance in the making.

This book is also a great reminder to not only register to vote, but to make sure you ARE registered to vote even if you think you are.

The Voting Booth
This is my third Brandy Colbert novel and I’ve loved every one! She gives a real, honest illustration of what it is to be a teenager and what it’s like to be a black and biracial teen in 2020. Both perspectives flesh out each of the characters and their separate stories, and the way they end up intertwining as it goes along. Politics and the importance of voting are ever-present in Duke and Marva’s lives and families. I love the passion that runs through both of them in their own way. It gives me a very similar feel to Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed, another YA novel about voting and politics.

The Voting Booth takes place on election day. Marva Sheridan is so excited to be able to vote in her first election. She has an encounter with Duke who is also 18 and voting for the first time, which sends them on a journey all over the city. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It touched on so many issue like voting suppression, being Black in America, and just growing up in general. Their relationship progressed at a realistic place and I just overall thoroughly enjoyed this book. Brandy Colbert did it again!

Posted to Goodreads: Marva Sheridan knows the importance of voting and she is passionate about ensuring voters' rights. Duke Crenshaw is living in the shadow of Julian, his older brother who was dedicated to protecting voters before he passed away. Marva and Duke meet on election morning when Duke has difficulty voting and Marva offers to help him cast his ballot. The two spend the day together trying to make Duke's vote count while getting to know each other which may lead to new feeling developing.

This book felt very much like a missed opportunity to me. Colbert created a story about voters being disenfranchised, precincts being closed or moved, and the government making it more difficult for African American voters to cast their ballot. These are all messages that need to be put out into the world especially in a book that will appeal to teens who are reaching the age that they are allowed to vote. However, those important messages were slightly lost in a book that tried to squeeze in a romance that wasn't needed between two characters that were underdeveloped. There is so much good in this novel but it gets lost among a lot of unnecessary plot points.

This book is simple, timely, sweet, impactful, and just truly wonderful. I may have to read it again closer to the elections in November!

Review: 2.5 / 5 stars

As much as I wanted to like this book, it just wasn’t for me. That being said, I still think this is a good book to read. It discusses topics such as racism, activism, and family. This book is very relevant to current events with all the division in the US. Also, this book encourages people to use their voices to vote for the issues that matter to them, so it is a good story to read before the upcoming election.

While the topics in this book are important to read about, I just didn’t like the characters in the story. Duke was my favorite character, but I had a hard time liking Marva. All the negativity that she had throughout the book made me dislike her. She is supposed to be the inspirational voice in this novel to get readers to use their voices for change, but because of her attitude, I find her voice to be less compelling. She comes across as too angry and serious all of the time and often seems ungrateful for the good things in her life.

Another issue I have with this story is the minor plot lines with Marva’s cat and Duke’s band. They just didn’t add much to the story, and the cat storyline was really problematic for me in the way that it was handled.

In conclusion, this book discusses important topics that young people need to learn about now. While I found many things problematic in this story, I still think people should read it. I think this book would help someone who doesn’t see the importance of voting.

4/5 stars

The Voting Booth falls into the new trend of political YA contemporaries and I absolutely adored this take! The Voting Booth takes place in a single day following the two characters Marva and Duke in their attempt to vote. Marva is very politically active and has dedicated herself to getting people to vote. Duke is at the same polling place as Marva when he finds out he isn't on the list and has to go to a different location. We follow Marva and Duke in their attempt to actually be able to get Duke to vote all whilst skipping school.

I really enjoyed the issues that were discussed in this that related to voter oppression. Every topic that leads into voter suppression (ableism, racism, etc.) is present. These topics were handled with grace and I loved seeing a different perspective. The opinion that voting won't change anything is also within this book and it was interesting to see people's reasoning behind that. This book is EXTREMELY relevant to everything going on in the world currently. It doesn't just discuss voter suppression which pertains to the upcoming 2020 presidential election but also racism within the system. Gun violence is discussed in this because Duke's brother was killed due to lack of regulation. It also brings in police violence a bit which is especially important for young people to see in a novel.

The two characters did fall a bit flat for me. While I think that they were quite dynamic and had many racists to them, something about them just didn't click with me which I found odd since I identify with both characters in a way. Duke is a mixed character which I am and I relate to Marva in being very politically active and taking school seriously.

There isn't emotional cheating in here technically but this is a romance that takes place in one day. At the beginning of the novel Marva has a boyfriend and the romance aspect of this put me off. I would have much rather the two characters just be friends than have any romance considering at the beginning they both have romantic interests.

I enjoyed the writing for the most part but there were a bit of info dumps about certain characters in Marva and Duke's lives. That part just put me off a bit because one moment we are just thrust into flashbacks. The transition to them wasn't seamless because there are heading like "About said character".

Overall I really did enjoy this book despite the couple flaws I saw within it. I think this book is so relevant right now and the timing of this release couldn't have been more perfect. Thank you to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for sending me an advanced e-copy before release date.

Overall, I think this is a really necessary book. It speaks to an oft-ignored, less overt form of voter suppression, and I can't think of anything more timely, especially for a teenage audience that is often unfamiliar with the process. I loved the way it unraveled the idea of activism--that it is not just posting on social media or having conversations, like the character of Alec did, but about showing up and sacrificing your time and energy, even when it's difficult.

I loved the message of The Voting Booth, but I did find that the characters felt a bit two-dimensional in some places, particularly in the romance between Marva and Duke--I didn't really feel their chemistry, and I found myself much more invested in the social justice aspects of the plot than the relationship. That said, I really loved the pacing--this was a super quick read.

The discussions it brings up around classism, Juneteenth, privilege, and the common misrepresentation of gangs are absolutely essential and missing from so many YA novels. Definitely a worthwhile and important read!

I thought this was such a great read and so timely with the fact that today’s youth are becoming more and more vocal and politically active. Marva is so passionate about politics and is incredibly excited to vote in her very first election. Duke’s mom is more excited about him voting than he is and he seems somewhat apathetic about the process, though he does want to vote. But there are issues and Marva becomes involved and they spend a whole day together, trying to make sure he can vote and I loved that. The book deals with activism and racial injustice and gun violence and yet there are lighter moments in the book too. I like that Duke tried to teach Marva to live in the moment a little. The only thing I didn’t care for was Alec, Marva’s boyfriend. She is pissed at him because he doesn’t want to vote. While I can understand her frustration at his lack of caring, she kept talking about it as though he should vote because he told her he would and not because it’s the right thing to do. That irked me a little, but I began to understand where she was coming from, especially because of the fact that he was white and privileged, which meant he could afford to not care about certain things, but she couldn’t. Great book by this author.

A very timely book. Marva is voting for the first time. She has been waiting for this day forever. Duke is also voting for the first time. They meet at the voting booth and through a series of events, end up spending the entire day together. At times comical, at times series, Colbert takes you on an exciting adventure back and forth through time. Told from both Marva and Dukes perspective, you get to experience two passionate teens' first time voting and what has led them to this point in their lives.

The Voting Booth is a timely and well-executed YA romance that talks about the importance of voting, the history of voter suppression among communities of color in the United States, political activism, and the daily experiences of Black Americans. It's a cute story that also packs a punch and this would be a fantastic book to hand to a teenager wondering if their voice can make a difference.

The book takes place during a single day, but we do get some flashbacks to add context. Marva is excited to finally vote in her first election. She's passionate about political issues and has been working hard to help get people registered to vote. Duke Crenshaw wants to get voting over with so he can go to school and get ready for the gig he has with his band that night. His brother who passed away fairly recently had been passionate about voting and activism. On election day, Marva meets Duke in line to vote and when he's turned away she offers to help him find his assigned polling place. Things go from there.

Marva is Black and Duke is biracial, so we get some good discussions surrounding identity and what Black is "supposed to" be like. We get discussions of grief, particularly with a sibling lost during a drive-by shooting and the racial assumptions of that. There is also a tense scene where they are pulled over while driving. Everything is fine, but there are discussions of how one day it might not be.

Marva is having issues with her white boyfriend of two years as well. When they got together he seemed empathetic and cared about the same issues, but now things are changing and this allows for a great discussion of white burnout and the fact that Black people can't just decide to take a break from being Black because it's hard. I'll also note that nothing romantic happens between Marva and Duke until AFTER that relationship has ended, which I appreciated.

All that to say, it's a great book with a lot of important conversations tied into a cute story. Definitely recommend this one and hope it will get out to teens who really need it. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Marva was born to vote. She was born to be a change maker. Since birth, she's been driven to make a difference in the world and at the age of 18, she knows that this starts with her voting in her first election. When Marva goes to vote for the first time she meets Duke. Duke for reasons of his own also knows how important it is to vote. Going to vote for the first time he is turned away from the polls told that isn't polling place. Marva overhears this and makes it her mission to help Duke vote.

Throughout a day that reminded me a lot of a much more mature version of Ferris Buller's Day off Marva and Duke embark on an adventure to get Duke to vote. From one polling place to another dodging parental question and sharing more of themselves at each stop you will fall in love with Marva, Duke, and Marva's cat Selma. Marva and Duke are determined through their shared passion for democracy to beat a rigged voting system all while finding a cat, building a friendship, and making sure they make it to Duke's gig on time.

Another incredible Brandy Colbert book.