YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE

A Black family makes an important journey on Election Day.

Young Quetta and her mother and grandmother take a long ride on two different buses (standing room only). Once they arrive at their polling place, they see a long line of community members, and they settle in to wait…and wait…and wait. It’s a big day—Grandma has even donned her Sunday hat, though it’s Tuesday. If it’s such an important day, though, why does Quetta’s mother still have to go to work? the girl wonders. And as it begins to rain, Quetta suggests going home. That opens up a conversation between Quetta and Grandma, whose parents and grandparents fought for the right to vote and who explains just how crucial it is to exercise this right. As they reach the front of the line, everyone is told that they must have their IDs in order to vote. Grandma is initially unable to find hers, and a knot forms in Quetta’s stomach. Luckily, all ends well, and Quetta gets to watch two generations of women in her family cast their votes. Henderson’s story of a loving family working hard to vote puts this civic duty into greater historical context. Morris’ digital illustrations have an intimate, collagelike look, with specific details that bring to life the various members of this community.

A much-needed reminder that voting is a right not to be taken for granted.