“A book you most certainly need to read, The Voting Booth is timely, inspirational, and adorably romantic. I couldn’t put this book down.”
Cecelia Beckman, Sheaf & Ink
The Story
The Voting Booth is about two young people who have one goal: to vote. Marva for the first time can cast her vote on Election Day. It’s kind of a BIG DEAL. As she leaves the polling place the boy she noticed earlier is told he can’t vote. Marva, determined to make every vote count, even a complete stranger’s, goes on a day long adventure to make sure Duke’s vote is cast. But with each passing hour as Duke and Marva experience the frustrations of a rigged system, they might not only be interested in saving democracy.
My Review: The Voting Booth
Brandy Colbert has written a relevant story that readers across the United States (and the world) should be ready to read. With an upcoming US election in 2020 the fervor felt by the main character Marva on Election Day is palpable. A feeling we should all absorb, kindle, and burn bright so that we can make the wave of change that Marva so keenly desires.
What is incredible about this book is that it all takes place over the course of a single day, but it feels like you’ve lived a lifetime with both the main characters. Told from two perspectives, Marva a passionately driven teen, voting for the first time and knows her right to vote is the first step to changing the world. Then there’s Duke, who just wants to get voting over with so he can get to his band’s first paying gig at the end of the day.
It’s the perfect set up to what unfolds.
My Thoughts
Each character in The Voting Booth from the main cast to the supporting ones are all masterfully created. They felt like living breathing people. People who captivate you from the opening page. Finding you’ll never be the same once you’ve reached the end.
Being that this is my first read of Brandy Colbert I’m wondering why I haven’t read any of her works before. She is an artisans of words. Like a chef who is both comfortable and confident in their kitchen, she is able to craft a delicious story that will have you wanting more. If her other novels are anything like this one where the characters are a driving force, the story thought-provoking, leaving me with a satisfaction that has me full, then count me in. I am ready to read them all.
A Few More Thoughts
Not only are we swept away by the driving current that are the characters, but The Voting Booth takes on heavy topics. Be it voter suppression, racism, gun-violence or police brutality. Colbert sheds light on all of these important topics, she really tackles the inherent voter suppression like a skilled surgeon. She cuts through the tissue and fat, down to the marrow and exposes the cancer that people of color face during elections, where legislators will do anything to undermine voting rights in order to win.
Most importantly, the beauty of The Voting Booth not only lies within the remarkable narrative, but also the shared experiences we see between Marva and Duke. That even though time and time and time again Marva and Duke are turned away they do not back down. It is the truth that we should all strive to make: we have to own our convictions and take action to see the change we want in this world.
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
RATING: 
– Exceptionally Inked
Author: Brandy Colbert
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication Date: July, 2020
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 1368053297
ISBN-13: 978-1368053297
Audience: 12 and up
Jacket Art: Stephanie Singleton
Jacket Design: Marci Senders
Similar Books to The Voting Booth Recommended by Sheaf and Ink
This is My America, Kim Johnson
Yes No Maybe So, Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
Need More Book Recommendations?
Sheaf & Ink has reviewed a number of Young Adult novels in contemporary fiction like The Voting Booth. Read Yes No Maybe So and This Is My America reviews to find your next favorite book and join the conversation. We love hearing from you.
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
This is My America, by Kim Johnson
Resources after reading The Voting Booth
Sheaf & Ink feels strongly in supporting young people in their right to vote. The Voting Booth discusses voter suppression. If you need to register to vote or are unsure if you are registered for the US 2020 Presidential Election please go to one of these resources listed below to seek help:
Vote.org is the official government website to register to vote.
The National Association of Secretaries of State website will help voters with the following:
- Register to vote
- Voter Registration Status
- Finding Your Polling Place
- Valid Forms of ID
- Absentee & Early Voting
- Overseas Voters
- Election Official Directory
- How to become a Poll Worker
U.S. Vote Foundation links you to your states Election Dates & Deadlines for Voting
The ACLU works to protect and expand Americansʼ freedom to vote. Visit the ACLU website for your voting rights.
