Explore the principles of citizenship through story
Political season or not, active citizenship is an important topic to discuss with your kids. This growing list of stories will help your family talk about building strong communities in our democracy.
Also check out our collection of chapter books to teach citizenship.
Featured Title
The Empty Pot by Demi
Simply told and beautifully illustrated, this story shares the beauty of telling the truth. Everyone wants to win the Emperor’s competition: the grower of the most beautiful flower will become the next emperor. But when one boy’s seed won’t sprout, he learns that bravery and honesty are more important to becoming emperor than a dramatic presentation.
More DGT Favorites
At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell
This lyrical book explores the true history of Native American U.S. service members like WWII pilot Ola Mildred "Millie" Rexroat. It’s a story of duty, family, and big dreams.
A Very Important Day by Maggie Rugg Harold
Join twelve families in New York City as they celebrate the momentous day they officially become citizens.
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
Fun rhymes and vibrant illustrations make it easy for parents to introduce their youngest readers to social justice, compassion, and caring for community.
America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney
An ABC’s of American history and government that celebrates democratic principles and famous figures from our country’s past. Lots of detailed illustrations.
Carl the Complainer by Michelle Knudson
As Carl learns to stop complaining and start making change, we are inspired to do the same. Why wait for someone else to fix problems we see in the world?
D Is for Democracy: A Citizen’s Alphabet by Elissa Grodin
In this rhyming primer, each letter introduces a different concept to the reader, such as “A” for “amendment” and “B” for “Bill of Rights.”
Democracy for Dinosaurs by Laurie Krasny Brown
This fun guide is one of DGT’s favorite tools for teaching the basics of citizenship and inspiring your whole family to take simple actions every day to support democracy. By modeling accessible ways to practice being a good citizen, children will understand they are part of their country and that they have an important role to play.
Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
Get ready for belly laughs from young and old alike! This tongue in cheek tale of the never-ending election cycle manages to teach a few lessons about being a change maker. Doreen Cronin's hilarious barn-yard creatures teach several lessons, including leadership isn't easy, every vote counts, and life is messy.
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio
When Grace discovers that there has never been a woman president of the Unites States, she decides that she will run for president one day. Her teacher encourages her by holding a school election.
Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein
The narrator in this emotional story recounts his memory of accompanying his grandfather to vote for the first time in the civil-rights era South. Each thoughtful page will both illuminate this historical moment and impress on young readers (and their grown ups) how important the right to vote really is.
A DGT favorite!
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
What can the Statue of Liberty teach children about freedom, courage, and the nature of our democracy? Kids of all ages will be captivated by the answer with this clever, eye-opening introduction to America's greatest icon.
House Mouse and Senate Mouse by Peter W. Barnes
This simple, rhyming story of how a bill becomes a law will inspire young activists to launch their first letter writing campaign to legislative leaders. It even features a respectful amount of civic disagreement, which can be a helpful model for kids!
If Everybody Did by Jo Ann Stover
Inspire a thousand giggles while you show kids what a whole society of rule-breakers might look like; be sure to watch for the fate of the cat on each page! Citizenship is about everybody doing their part, and this book shows the damage that can happen if everybody did something like “drop tacks” or “make tracks.” This is a joke that sticks with kids for a long, long time.
If I Ran For President by Catherine Stier
Six children discuss what they would do if they were running for president, describing the election process all the way from making the decision to run to being sworn in on Inauguration Day.
The Impossible Patriotism Project by Linda Skeers
Explore the big idea of patriotism and celebrate heroes with this wonderful story. You'll meet Caleb, a boy stumped by an impossible assignment: make something showing patriotism. The big, bold ideas of his classmates only make Caleb feel worse. How can he show them that patriotism is more than maps and statues? His final project is stunning in its simplicity and power. You may even be inspired to visit our project instructions and write thank you letters to soldiers and their families.
Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voter's Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans
Through the powerful memories of a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, readers are given a stunning and poetic view of this sweeping victory in American history.
Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice Davids
Sharice's true story of speaking up, staying determined, and using her voice to make change is full of hope and inspiration. It also has a strong message of service.
My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington, D.C. by Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Senator Kennedy’s dog, Splash, describes a typical day in Washington including a discussion of an education bill, a press conference, and a floor vote.
The Old Man who Loved Cheese by Garrison Keiler
Track this one down at the library if you can. This absurd book is about a man who loved stinky cheese so much that he became a public nuisance. Will he be able to change his ways enough to live in society with others? It’s great for kids in that stage of loving “gross” humor, and it lends itself to all sorts of conversations about how personal preferences and behaviors can affect others.
Say Something by Peter Reynolds
There are many different ways to make the world a better place. Get inspired with this simple, lyrical book. Then get started!
So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George
An entertaining look at our president’s lives with cartoon illustrations.
Vote! by Eileen Christelow
In this comic book, all aspects of the voting process are explained by dogs. The book includes a timeline of voter rights in American history and information on political parties.
We the Kids by David Catrow
With laugh-out-loud cartoony illustrations, and the actual words of the Preamble as the only text, Catrow depicts a camping trip taken by a diverse, bumbling group of friends, demonstrating the rights and responsibilities the Constitution places on all Americans, young and old.
What Are Elections? (First Guide to Government) by Nancy Harris
With photographs, simple explanations, and a glossary, this book is a great introduction for children to learn about elections.
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers
The remarkable Dave Eggers, author of the inspiring book Her Right Foot, is at it again. In his engaging, beautifully-written style, Eggers inspires kids to consider what it takes to be an active citizen.
What Mess? by Tom Lichtenheld
A silly rhyming story, with detailed illustrations, of a boy whose messy room has gotten out of control.
Woodrow for President by Peter W. Barnes
Woodrow starts his life in public service exactly where all of our big-hearted families begin: with an act of service in the community. From there he moves to a leadership position in his community, then elected office at various levels. Ultimately, he runs for president in a lesson that is good for kids of all ages.
Back to Read Together for more book lists.
Talk about the issue.
NEW! Members enjoy exclusive access to DGT’s toolkit for civic engagement, perfect for families who want a thoughtful way to make a difference. Also available for purchase in the DGT Store.
What does it mean to live in a community with others?
If we live in a free country, can we do whatever we want, whenever we want?
What should we do if we notice something that is unfair in our community?
What characteristics make a good neighbor? A good leader?
Is there something we, as a family, would like to change right now?
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Or check out these projects to practice active citizenship and advocate for issues you care about.
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