I'm grateful Little, Brown Books for Young Readers sent me an e-ARC through Netgalley. I was so excited to finish reading this before election season. This book was the push I needed to make sure that I am doing my civic duty on a community, state and national level. Represent digs deep into the history of democracy and voting in the United States of America. It teaches of the hardships that many people endured in their fight for a freedom that was promised. People of color and women in particular have been fighting this battle for a long time. I appreciate that Represent doesn't gloss over the dark times in our history, but brings them to light so that all can learn from them. All data is backed up in the source notes at the end of the book. There is also a section for things we can do to promote better democracy in our own time. I loved the different examples offered.
While this book is full of dark moments in our past, I think it is absolutely appropriate for young readers. This is a great book for middle school and high school readers. But I think anyone who can vote in the United States should read this. Your vote is your voice and countless people have fought so that you could have that privilege.

In order to read non-fiction I often find myself having to listen to the audiobook. And that was hardly the case in this one. I read it and looked at all the graphics and information that was shown and before I knew it, I had finished the book. I was so into this book I finished it one day. I ordered a copy for all my branches, and even more some that are scheduled to go to a school campus.

We followed up a book about how US politics and elections work with this book about the history of the fight for voting rights in the US which worked out really well.

This is a fantastic exploration of the history of voting rights in the US, starting with the writing of the Constitution and ending with the current-day fight to protect and preserve the right to vote for all Americans.

A lot of the time, books imply that everyone could vote as soon as the US was formed, and this book does an excellent job pointing out how very untrue that is and how very long it took for the majority of people to be able to vote.

Each chapter moves forward in time, jumping between different groups fighting for the same rights. Black people, women, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian-Americans. The same fight being fought over and over again.

It is written in an incredibly compelling way that puts you right in the thick of the struggle and makes you care about each group gaining the right to vote.

Kiddo (10) was enthralled the whole time we read it and it gave him a lot to think about. It gave me a lot to think about too, as most of the information hadn't been taught to me in school, so we both learned a lot.

This should be required reading for every middle-school / high-school. Highly recommend.

*Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing an early copy for review.

Most Americans have a basic understanding of our nation's history: the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World Wars I and II. Yet, the arduous journey toward universal suffrage is a chapter often overlooked. Represent by Michael Eric Dyson and Marc Favreau is a powerful and essential read that shines a spotlight on a frequently overlooked yet pivotal chapter in American history: the relentless pursuit of voting rights. The authors masterfully unravel the complex tapestry of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience that has shaped our democracy.

The simple act of casting a ballot is a privilege hard-won through centuries of relentless activism, sacrifice, and courage. Represent introduces readers, young and old, to the unsung heroes who fought for this fundamental right. From Robert Purvis, a free Black man who championed voting rights in Pennsylvania, to the lesser-known figures like Robert Smalls, Lucretia Mott, and Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, the book paints a vivid portrait of a nation grappling with democracy and humanizes the fight for suffrage, making it relatable and inspiring. Represent is not merely a history lesson; it's a call to action. It challenges readers to confront the injustices of the past and to understand the ongoing battle to protect and expand voting rights.

This book is a vital resource for young people eager to understand the foundations of their civic engagement. It is equally essential for adults seeking to deepen their knowledge of American history and to appreciate the fragility of democracy. Represent is a compelling reminder that our right to vote is a precious privilege earned through the blood, sweat, and tears of countless generations.

Represent is more than a historical account; it's a stark reflection of the ongoing battle for voting rights. The book serves as a powerful reminder that the struggles of the past are deeply intertwined with the challenges of today. Issues such as voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the disproportionate impact of voting laws on marginalized communities are direct descendants of the systemic barriers that the book illuminates.

By examining the historical context, Represent equips readers with the tools to understand the current landscape. It underscores the importance of civic engagement and the need for continued vigilance in protecting and expanding voting rights. In a time when democratic institutions face unprecedented challenges, this book offers a crucial roadmap for understanding how we arrived at this point and what steps must be taken moving forward.