A timely and essential history of Black voter suppression, adapted
from the National Book Award longlisted adult book
This young adult adaptation brings to light the shocking truth about how
not every voter is treated equally. After the election of Barack Obama,
a rollback of voting rights occurred, punctuated by a 2013 Supreme Court
decision that undid the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Known as the Shelby
ruling, this decision allowed districts with a history of racial
discrimination to change voting requirements without approval from the
Department of Justice. This book follows the stunning aftermath of that
ruling and explains how voter suppression works, from photo ID
requirements to gerrymandering to poll closures. It also explores the
resistance: the organizing, activism, and court battles to restore the
basic right to vote to all Americans.
This is an essential explanation of the history of voting rights―and a
call to action for a better future. As the nation gears up for the 2020
presidential election season, now is the time for teens to understand
the past and work for change.