The Voting Booth

Starred review from June 15, 2020
This timely, politically charged novel sees black first-time voters Marva Sheridan and Duke Crenshaw fulfilling their civic duty. Marva, passionate about politics, has been working to get out the vote. When Duke is unable to vote at their mutual polling place due to a registration mix-up, she makes it her mission to ensure he can cast his ballot. Still grieving the death of his political activist brother, biracial Duke knows exactly what’s at stake. As Election Day progresses toward its results, neither teen counts on the whirlwind journey that takes them from being strangers at the polls to confidantes on the road, discussing Marva’s white boyfriend’s refusal to vote, Duke’s fractured family’s grief, and Marva’s missing internet-famous cat. Colbert (The Only Black Girls in Town) aptly discusses matters of civil disobedience and social justice—including police brutality and voter suppression—without sacrificing the delicate, lighthearted relationship at the story’s center. Readers will find abundant food for thought in this vital fictional account of two teens intent on using their voices and engaging in a political system that makes it difficult for them to participate. Ages 12–up. Agent: Tina Dubois, ICM Partners.

The events of this audiobook unfold over the course of a single election day as two Black teens vote for the first time. Robin Eller voices Marva, who is first in line at her polling place. She meets Duke, voiced by Cary Hite, when the poll workers can't find Duke's name on the registration list. Making sure his vote gets counted leads them on a long and winding journey during which Marva's internet-famous cat goes missing and Duke worries about making it to his band's gig. The duet performance ensures that listeners will fall for Marva and Duke even as they're falling for each other; Hite is especially convincing and appealing as Duke. With this novel, Colbert delivers a satisfying blend of character development and lessons about voter suppression, grief, and activism. J.M.D. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine