Does My Voice Count?

April 1, 2014

Gr 1-3-This ambitious series emphasizes development traits such as responsibility, respect, honesty, and empathy and strives to help kids learn how to be good citizens and improve both their own lives and the lives of those around them. Real-life topics, ranging from the specific ("How can I make sure I don't forget my band instrument?") to the general ("Why does everyone need a turn?"), are presented in a clear question-and-answer format that is instructive but not overly didactic. Readers will see examples of how to cope with bullying, be a good friend, become civically responsible, and more. Full-color photos accompany the narratives, while text bubbles provide additional information in an engaging way. Challenging vocabulary words are not differentiated on the page, but important concepts are bolded in red, which might be slightly confusing. A solid series dealing with important subjects for modern kids.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2013
Grades 1-3 Even young children can learn to be helpful, responsible citizens, and the Show Your Character series gives them a way to begin. Does My Voice Count? tackles citizenship: why it's important to vote, ways to be a good citizen, and returning found valuables. Sometimes the issues in the books overlap, but this series is a good place for children to start thinking about ways to make their world a better place. The suggestions are age appropriate, and kids are urged to talk to parents or an adult when things get to be more than they can handle (though parental discussion should be even more emphasized than it is). The books try not have the answers seem pat, and happily, sometimes scenarios are taken a step further. For example, after a boy explains to a friend how littering is wrong, the next page asks the question, What if she still won't pick it up? Answer: Do it yourself, and tell your friend you feel bad because littering hurts the earth.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)