Your voice matters! Ontarians head to the polls Oct. 26 for the municipal election and it’s more important than ever to exercise your hard-fought right to vote. To learn more about why democracy is so important and to inspire everyone to get out and vote, staff have put together some of their favourite books about the importance and history of voting and political activism. Feel free to place a hold or ask for more recommendations at your local branch. A list of even more books about voting, elections and democracy can be found online.
To learn more about municipal elections in Ontario, visit: www.amo.on.ca/about-us/municipal-101/municipal-elections
Non-fiction: 1. Do Something!: 365 Ways you can Strengthen Canada by Preston Manning
Manning offers 365 ways that readers can get involved and make an impact in their communities, in Canada as a whole, or around the world – the very first of which is exercising their right to vote!
Non-fiction: Making a Difference: Cuff’s Guide for Municipal Leaders: a Survival Guide for Elected Officials by George B. Cuff
This book defines what municipal governance is all about. Management consultant George Cuff delivers no-nonsense advice about the appropriate roles of council members, the head of council, and the administration, discussing: Orientation; The art of governance; Understanding leadership; Council management problems; Governance best practices; Hallmarks of successful elected officials; and more.
Memoir: Hurricane Hazel: A Life with Purpose by Hazel McCallion
An inspiring memoir from one of Canada’s longest sitting Mayors. Told in her own words, Hazel McCallion shares stories about her life growing up in Gaspe and the ups and downs of her terms as one of the most loved mayors of Mississauga.
Fiction: The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis
The hilarious first book in Terry Fallis’s Angus McLintock series that sees a burnt-out political staffer joining forces with a grumpy old engineering professor in a madcap campaign neither wanted to be a part of. This is a light-hearted and humorous insight into Federal politics like only Terry Fallis could write. It was also a Canada Reads winner and a Stephen Leacock Medal for Humor winner.
Young Adult Fiction: Dear Manny by Nic Stone
While running for junior class president at his university, Jared falls for his opponent who has a similar platform based on equity and inclusion, and processes his feelings by writing letters to his deceased friend Manny.
Juvenile Graphic Novel: Bad at Math by Hope Larson
Verity ‘Very’ Nelson tries to do it all including winning her re-election for Class President but when she starts to fall behind in math her identity as the ‘best’ starts to crumble in this heartfelt middle grade graphic novel about learning how to manage dyscalculia – a condition that causes Verity to mix up numbers.
Juvenile Fiction: The Berenstain Bears and Mama for Mayor! by Jan and Mike Berenstain
Make your way to the ballot box–Mama is running for mayor! There are lots of improvements to be made in Bear Country, and Mama has a plan. She’s going to fix the roads, pick up the trash, and replace the broken streetlights. But will she promise too much?
Juvenile Non-fiction: Get out and Vote: How you can Shape the Future by by Elizabeth MacLeod; illustrated by Emily Chu
An accessible, well-written and comprehensive nonfiction book that introduces readers to voting around the world and why it matters. With photos and illustrations throughout, it challenges young people to exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot and provides real-life examples of young activists from across the globe.
Juvenile Non-Fiction: Canada Votes: How we Elect our Government by Linda Granfield; illustrated by Craig Terlson
Kids get a close-up look at the political process and explore all aspects of an election – from the day Parliament is dissolved to the day after the polls close. Granfield charts the evolution of elections to the present day, when a candidate’s media image can make or break the campaign. Canada Votes lets kids in on how voting lists are now compiled electronically, what issue the last national referendum decided and more.
Picture Book: This Little Voter by Ann Bonnie; illustrated by Carol Herring
Celebrate voting in this election day-themed twist on the classic nursery rhyme “This Little Piggy”! Little voters are busy getting ready to cast their ballots! They’re registering, marking the date, watching debates, and wishing readers a happy election day.