In this timely reissue, a father and son help their community claim the right to vote in the post Civil-War South. A son teaches his father how to write his name so he can vote for the first time in this historical tale filled with warmth and strength by Coretta Scott King Honor winner Colin Bootman's expressive oil paintings. In a new author’s note, veteran teacher and author Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert expands upon the obstacles facing African American voters in the aftermath of the Civil War and the fight to end voter suppression that goes on even today. Simms knows election day will be a big day for his papa, and for all of Lamar County. For the very first time, Papa will get to vote. But Simms wishes his papa could write his own name, so he could go to the courthouse with head held high. And Simms is determined to teach Papa, because, like his father, he knows that freedom doesn’t come easy. Gr 1–5—It is election time in Lamar County as Simms and his father drive into town in their wagon for their weekly shopping trip. Simms notices that instead of signing his name, Papa simply writes an "x" at the bottom of the receipt. Simms desperately wants to help his father learn how to write so he can sign his name when he casts his vote for the first time. As Election Day draws near, Papa practices with the patient guidance of his thoughtful son. Will he learn how to write his name in time? Beautiful oil paintings with rich colors of browns, blues, yellows, and greens fill each page and capture Simms and his family's determination. Bootman's final illustrations show pride on the faces of men who are able to vote for the very first time as they enter the town courthouse together, "in unity." This heartwarming story about a boy who is dedicated to helping his father has language simple enough for a primary student to understand as a read-aloud, but older elementary students will also benefit from reading this beautiful picture book independently. An author's note provides a bit of historical background on the 13th Amendment, slavery, and the importance of the Voting Rights Act. VERDICT A fine lesson in persistence for any classroom setting.—Kerra Mazzariello "Beautiful oil paintings with rich colors of browns, blues, yellows, and greens fill each page and ­capture Simms and his family's determination. . . . This heartwarming story about a boy who is dedicated to helping his father has language simple enough for a primary student to understand as a read-aloud, but older elementary students will also benefit from reading this beautiful picture book independently." —School Library Journal For over 30 years, Dr. Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert has been an Early Literacy teacher, leader, and trainer in urban schools, and has written for children and educators alike. As a first grade teacher, she started writing stories for her diverse group of students. Dr. Lavert’s other books for children include Off to School , a Smithsonian Honor Book, and The Music in Derrick’s Heart , a Reading Rainbow Book. She is now an international literacy/leadership consultant, providing training in places like Dubai, Qatar, and Oman. She holds a PhD in Leadership from Indiana State University and a Masters in Literacy from Texas A&M University. Dr. Lavert lives in Bedford, Texas. Colin Bootman is a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award Winning artist, who has illustrated many books for young readers, including two books by David A. Adler: A Picture Book of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , A Holiday House Reader. He lives in New York City.