What does it mean to be a good, responsible citizen? What is citizenship? Is it the ability to vote? Does it mean having the right documents? Is being a citizen about being part of a community?
These picture books about citizenship will help you and your children discuss these questions.
(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)
Because answering the question "what is a good citizen" is no simple feat for a single picture book, I've divided this list into several categories. I start out with a simple, general book and then move into topics such as national identity, building strong communities, as well as voting and elections.
One of the reasons nations become divided is that the population forgets how important it is for individuals to actively work together to lift everyone up. I hope that reading these picture books that teach kids about responsible citizenship will help you raise future generations of humans who try to make a positive impact on the world!
Table of contents
General
What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers
Use this book to start a conversation about citizenship. It touches on a lot of concerns, like how being a citizen means staying engaged and being part a larger community. However, it is only a starting point for it stays on the surface and doesn't really address the complexity surrounding citizenship in this country.
Becoming a Citizen
Citizenship is not limited to where a person is born. Use these books to discuss how a group of people come together to form a nation of citizens.
Some of Us by Rajani Larocca, illustrated by Huy Voun Lee
Some of Us is an informative look at the ways in which people become United States citizens. The overall message is optimistic but the author acknowledges that the circumstances that bring people to America are not always pleasant. The illustrations draw readers in, depicting a wide variety of people and places, affirming that "We are all American."
More: Picture books about refugees
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris
This marvelous book begins in France with the origin of the idea for the Statue of Liberty. After chronicling its creation and transportation to New York, the author focuses on the right foot of Lady Liberty and a small but crucial detail in its construction. Use this book to talk about how the United States as it is now could not exist without immigration, and will falter without the continuing, robust immigration of all different kinds of people. Lady Liberty, by her right foot, tells us that our nation's citizens are dependent on immigration.
A Very Important Day by Maggie Rugg Herold, illustrated by Catherine Stock
Find it: Amazon
Capturing the excitement that surrounds the ceremony of becoming an official citizen of a nation, this story follows families from twelve different countries as they get ready for their "very important day." As the families make their ways through the snowy streets of New York City, many of them comment on the novelty of snow, others are greeted and congratulated by their neighbors. Some stop for a meal, others have their photos taken by strangers. At the end, they all gather in the large courtroom and are sworn in. An informational endnote concludes this uplifting picture book about citizenship.
Helping Others
I think most people would agree that being a first class citizen means taking care of our neighbors. The following books demonstrate different ways children can be good citizens by taking responsibility to help others and show kindness.
Rabbit’s Gift by George Shannon
Find it: Amazon
In this gentle Chinese folktale about giving to others, Rabbit finds a turnip in the snow, but as he is eating it, he thinks of his friend, Donkey, and wonders if she has any food. Rabbit leaves her extra turnip at Donkey’s door and when Donkey finds it, she leaves it for her neighbor, Goat. On and on it goes, with each friend, in turn, considering the well being of another. Eventually, they all come together for a meal in friendship. A wonderful story.
MORE: Books about Kindness
Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel
Sofia and Maddi play after school but when the girls go to Maddi's apartment and Sofia looks for a snack she is surprised to find an almost empty fridge. Maddi makes Sofia promise not to tell anyone that her mom does not have enough money for the grocery store. Sofia worries about what to do, and decides to help her friend. I like how this book emphasizes community, as well as kindness towards individuals.
MORE: Picture books that teach doing the right thing
Blizzard by John Rocco
Find it: Amazon
In 1978, a blizzard dumped fifty-three inches of snow on the author’s town in Rhode Island. This story is based on his experience. First the protagonist is excited for the snow, but as it keeps falling, the danger of his family and neighbors being stranded without food becomes very real. The young boy rises to the occasion and straps rackets to his feet to make his way to the store.
Subway Sparrow by Leyla Torres
Find it: Amazon
When a sparrow is trapped on a subway train, individuals work together to capture and release the frightened bird. Even though the subway riders don’t all speak the same language, their desire to cooperate for the greater good overcomes their differences.
MORE: Books about communities coming together
Elections and Voting
A list of children's books to teach citizenship wouldn't be complete without a few books that touch on voting rights and how elections work. The meaning of citizenship cannot be divorced from history and I encourage you to discuss how people transformed the process of voting and elections over time.
Show Up and Vote by Ani DiFranco, illustrated by Rachelle Baker
This book reminded me of when my mother used to take me along with her to the polls on Election Day. A mother takes her daughter with her while she votes. During the experience she observes others, describes the polling place and listens as her mother explains the necessity of making sure one's voice is heard. The positive, uplifting text highlights the communal experience of elections. A must read book! Ages 4 and up.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
The elderly Lillian climbs a hill to vote for the first time. As she climbs she recalls the history of her family and African-Americans in her country and what it took to get to this point. Teaching your children about the responsibilities of citizenship necessarily includes a discussion about the history of voting rights–both the good and the ugly.
MORE: Children's books about voting and elections
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Grace finds out there has never been a female president, and she is determined to change that. While the boy she is up against makes popular promises and counts electoral votes, Grace works hard to earn votes and demonstrates with her actions that she’s the right girl for the job. The explanation of how electoral votes are cast is skillfully woven into the narrative, making this a great choice for discussions around election time.
MORE: Picture books about the presidents
Improving Your Community
To teach your children that being a citizen involves more than an official document, share with them all the ways they can be active agents of positive change. These books that teach citizenship include descriptions protesting what is wrong and working towards what is right.
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
With a fun sense of humor, this alphabet book introduces kids to the idea that life may not be all about acquiring the latest Thomas Train. I was worried this book would be annoyingly didactic, but the rhymes and wit make this introduction to social justice a worthwhile read. The book teaches generosity, compassion, consideration for others. Use the book as a starting point for further discussions about the topics.
MORE: Books that will inspire kids to save the world
The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
As a city dweller, I am particularly fond of tree huggers, especially those that see the value of trees and plant life in urban settings. Katherine Olivia Sessions was the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science. After moving to a nearly tree-less city in San Diego, she advocated and spearheaded a campaign that transformed the area to a lush green land. I hope Sessions's story inspires other kids to make a difference in their community.
MORE: Picture books about protests and standing up for what is right
Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell
This book is based on a true story. Mira wants to brighten up her grey neighborhood. She starts out small by handing out her colorful illustrations to neighbors. Inspired by Mira, the community gets together transform their environment with colorful murals. This kind of community improvement activity is just the sort of thing that kids can participate in! I love the vibrant illustrations and the message that art makes life better.
The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Kathryn Brown
This is an inspiring story about Jane Addams, the first American woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, who founded a settlement home known as Hull House (still in existence!) in Chicago in the late 19th century. Addams was born into a wealthy family, but from childhood she wanted to help the poor in her community. The narration effectively draws readers into the story by portraying the unique individuals impacted by Addams' work as well as the larger importance of her work. A great talking point when reading this book to children is how projects such as Hull House contributed to the rise of community centers and what kinds of benefits they have for citizens.
Ryan Billingsley says
Thanks for this list! I love stories that help us grow. I'm bookmarking Rabbits Gift, A Very Important Day, and The Tree Lady for later because they sound fantastic.
Barb says
Do you have a list on digital citizenship?