A young African American boy who idolizes his grandfather walks with him from their farm to town so his granddaddy can vote for the first time in his life. The little boy snaps a photo of Granddaddy proudly holding his ballot. Then his grandfather is given a difficult text and asked if he can read it aloud. When he can’t, he is told he can’t vote. Fast forward to the little boy now grown and old enough to vote for the very first time in 1976. He takes the photo of his granddaddy proudly holding the ballot he was never allowed to cast with him to the polls. The bond between the grandson and grandfather is strongly established in the first part of the story, and the moment when the grandfather is turned away from the polls is heartbreaking. The fine narrative is matched with illustrations that underscore the bond between the two and the emotional depth of this story that humanizes the struggle for voting rights. A note at story’s end provides more information about the voting rights struggle in the 1950s and 1960s. (Ages 6–9)

Based on the true story of one family’s struggle for voting rights in the civil rights–era South, this moving tale shines an emotional spotlight on a dark facet of U.S. history.

Life on the farm with Granddaddy is full of hard work, but despite all the chores, Granddaddy always makes time for play, especially fishing trips. Even when there isn’t a bite to catch, he reminds young Michael that it takes patience to get what’s coming to you. One morning, when Granddaddy heads into town in his fancy suit, Michael knows that something very special must be happening—and sure enough, everyone is lined up at the town hall! For the very first time, Granddaddy is allowed to vote, and he couldn’t be more proud. But can Michael be patient when it seems that justice just can’t come soon enough? This powerful and touching true-life story shares one boy’s perspective of growing up in the segregated South, while beautiful illustrations depict the rural setting in tender detail.