The Voting Booth - by Brandy Colbert (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Now in paperback, a all-in-one-day love story from Stonewall Award-winning author Brandy Colbert about voting, voter suppression, and activism, perfect for our times.
*"A warmly entertaining story at the nexus of teen relationships and activism."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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.
Romantic and triumphant, The Voting Booth is proof that you can't sit around waiting for the world to change...but some things are just meant to be.

Review Quotes

*"A warmly entertaining story at the nexus of teen relationships and activism."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

*"Colbert aptly discusses matters of civil disobedience and social justice--including police brutality and voter suppression--without sacrificing the delicate, lighthearted relationship at the story's center. Readers will find abundant food for thought in this vital fictional account of two teens intent on using their voices and engaging in a political system that makes it difficult for them to participate."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

*"Through . . . distinct alternating perspectives and without ever becoming didactic, Colbert warmly and appealingly addresses issues that many teens, especially those considering how their own first vote may play out, prefacing. Strong characterizations within the one-day scope make this a feat of storytelling, too."--Booklist (starred review)

"The points about the obstacles to voting are especially resonant, but readers will appreciation the book for addressing their concerns while also letting them have some sweet romance."--Recommended--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Brandy Colbert is the award-winning author of Little & Lion, Pointe, Finding Yvonne, and The Revolution of Birdie Randolph. Her short fiction and essays have been published in several critically acclaimed anthologies for young people. She is on faculty at Hamline University's MFA program in writing for children, and lives in Los Angeles. Her Twitter handle is @brandycolbert.