Book Review: Voices & Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin

by Sandy Flores, age 18

The Wisconsin Historical Society recently published the latest edition of Voices & Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin. This book is aimed at younger readers in grades 3-5, introducing children to the fundamental concepts of voting, democratic society, and the importance of civic engagement – even for those who are not yet eligible to vote.

The book has seven chapters, each offering a lesson about Wisconsin’s government and the broader national political system. Topics include the different levels of government, the history of voting in Wisconsin, and the relationships between state, tribal, and federal governments.

Each chapter ends with a section called “Getting Involved,” which highlights local individuals and organizations working to engage students in civic life. These accounts share inspiring stories of youth who are actively involved in their communities and are making their voices heard. The stories serve as a potent reminder that civic participation does not always require a vote, rather it revolves around advocating to create a long-lasting impact. The book fosters leadership among young readers with the message, “Maybe these stories will inspire you to get involved too.”

The book highlights Simpson Street Free Press in the “Getting Involved” section of Chapters 2 and 3, “The Wisconsin Constitution” and “Who Are the Voters in Wisconsin?” These chapters highlight the significance of First Amendment rights and the importance of being an informed voter, especially in local elections. These sections discuss how Simpson Street encourages its young reporters to ask difficult questions and hold elected officials accountable. As an example, the book calls attention to the annual Simpson Street Free Press Madison School Board forum, where students collaborate with local journalists and pose questions to their school board candidates.

Voices & Votes also integrates phonics principles, through phonetic pronunciation guides to help students sound out new words, such as “judicial” (joo-dish-uhl), along with definitions of more complicated terms. This helps students practice their phonemic awareness, increase their fluency, and expand their vocabulary.

The book is very interactive. There are questions at the beginning of each chapter, prompting readers to reflect on and become curious about the topic. By the end of each chapter, readers should have a clear understanding of each subject.

Voices & Votes is a must-read for all students in Wisconsin, and even adults! There is a need for more civics education, and this book can be a wonderful resource and introduction for students. It not only provides detailed and digestible explanations, it shows how young people can – and do – participate in government and make change in their communities. Every Wisconsinite can learn something new by reading Voices & Votes.

Make sure to get your copy from the Wisconsin Historical Society after February 4th!