Title: The Voting Booth
Author: Brandy Colbert
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Hardcover, 292 Pages
Published July 2020
Summary: Marva Sheridan was born ready for this day. She's always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election? Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election. He just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band's first paying gig tonight. Only problem? Duke can't vote. When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. She hasn't spent months doorbelling and registering voters just to see someone denied their right. And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. They may have started out as strangers, but as Duke and Marva team up to beat a rigged system (and find Marva's missing cat), it's clear that there's more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy.
Disney-Hyperion was amazing enough to send us a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I'm glad that they did, because I ended up really liking this book. Even though I got the package in the beginning of the summer, I decided to hang onto the book and start it as the election was getting closer, and I'm glad that I did. It made it feel like a much more timely read for me! So without further ado, let's get into my review:
As the summary explains, it's Election Day, and Marva has been waiting her whole life to vote for the first time. Which she gets to do. But on her way out of the polling place, she runs into Duke, who is having issues with his ballot. Very involved in civil engagement and refusing to let Duke's vote go uncounted, Marva takes him on a day-long adventure to get it sorted out, all while also trying to find her missing cat, avoiding red light tickets, skipping school, and a whole lot more.
This was a really good book! I actually really enjoy reading stories that are told in a single day -- this entire novel takes place on Election Day from start to finish! I found myself laughing and gasping along with Marva and Duke as they adventured around the neighborhood trying to get everything handled. Their rapport with each other was really interesting to see, too. I also really liked being able to read the story from both of their perspectives (told in alternating chapters), because they were so different from one another in so many ways, but so similar in others. In terms of characters, my favorite was definitely Duke. He was sweet, sensitive, and maybe a little awkward at times, but all of that made him really endearing to me.
I also really like the fact that a YA book is focusing so much on the political process of voting. I've already voted in 2 Presidential Elections by the time I picked this book up, but the whole time I was reading, I couldn't stop thinking about how awesome it is that there are teens out there who are picking this book up and learning about good civil engagement and how to be an politically active citizen, even at a young age. Marva's dedication to the cause did not go unnoticed, and it left me feeling really inspired. Although I've already sent in my absentee ballot, I definitely checked up with a few friends and family members after finishing this book to make sure that they had their voting plans!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading THE VOTING BOOTH, especially during this political climate. While the results of our actual election are not very far away now, it's inspiring to see two young characters who are so involved in their communities and what happens to the people around them. This book is filled with feel-good motivations, laughs, gasps, and shocking surprises. I'd definitely recommend checking this one out if you haven't already!
Psst...don't forget to check out our Instagram page on Election Day...we'll be showing off some pretty cool swag for THE VOTING BOOTH! ;-)
