I really liked Brandy Colbert's Little and Lion. I know I've missed a few titles in the interim between her debut and her latest - The Voting Booth. I wish I had time to read every book by my favorite authors, but I just can't. I requested The Voting Booth from NetGalley because the premise is intriguing and the plot sounded like a lighthearted, mad-cap rom-com, a departure from the more serious themes in Little and Lion.

The Voting Booth was a delight from start to finish. The main characters "meet cute" when Duke is turned away at his polling place and Marva rescues him when his car won't start. The story alternates between the two characters voices that fills in their backgrounds and circumstances leading up to election day. The story of their lives touches on activism, voting rights, police brutality, gun violence, family, citizenship, racism and anti-racism, what it means to be understood in a relationship, cute cat photos on an anonymous social media, and so much more. All of this is interwoven into a chaotic quest to make sure Duke can cast his ballot.

Marva and Duke's voices resonate and they feel like most high school seniors you would know. They've figured out quite a lot about themselves and the world, including the things they'd like to change and the future they'd like to be a part of. The secondary characters are also spot-on. The parents are present in their teenagers' lives in ways that are realistic & all the members of the main character's families have recognizable personalities and reasons for their actions.

I zipped through The Voting Booth and reached the end of the story with a tinge of regret because it was over,

The one thing I love the most about Brandy Colbert's writing is how easy it is to get swept into the story. This book takes place on Election Day. Marva Sheridan is excited to do her civic duty and vote. Duke Crenshaw is too, but when he has a problem voting Marva steps in to help. They end up spending the day together, trying to help Duke get what he needs to vote. I loved all of the side plots in this story, like Marva's cat Selma aka Eartha Kitty getting lost and Duke organizing a search party for her. This book is so much more than politics and voter suppression. Duke and Marva both have personal things that they are struggling with. I loved seeing how close they got throughout the day. This book was so enjoyable while still involving some heavy topics.

Yes! Fast and furious plot for a book that takes place over a single (election) day. So many important and current issues raised in this one. I would highly recommend for school libraries. The writing was not as good or polished as other writers and the pacing and overall feel read very Disney. But, overall a pick.

I couldn’t put this book down. The plot works perfectly: a brilliant balance of teenage life and romance with important, heavy topics such as democracy, voter suppression, white supremacy, police brutality, etc. Marva Sheridan cannot wait to vote: she has been an activist for as long as she can remember, but this is the first election where she can legally vote. When she meets Duke Crenshaw on her way out of the voting booth, and realizes that he is not able to cast his own vote, she makes it her mission to make sure that he is able to before the end of the day. This is the beginning of a day full of ups and downs and surprises, while the two teenagers get to know each other, and help others vote in the general election.

This is such a timely novel. Voter suppression is a huge issue in this country, especially in areas with large African American populations. While this is one of the main topics through-out the novel, Marva and Duke also evoke how much systemic racism and institutionalized white supremacy affects the lives of Black people on a day to day basis. Brandy Colbert writes in such a way that you actually feel right there with the protagonists, and get as riled up as Marva does about social justice. I feel like this story is a great YA read for those who are passionate about social justice and changing the world, but also for those who love a good teenage romance story. And it’s a great read for those who want to be active but who don’t know where to start, there are so many great pointers in this novel! There are some predictable areas within the plot, but they are also kind of cute, and I enjoyed the ending. (And for anyone complaining about how fast everything happened in the story: don’t you remember what life was like as a teen?!).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A timely novel about the importance and impact of activism and voting, wrapped up in a rom-com. I found this to be an easy-breezy read despite some of the heavy topics included within. Even though I knew it was coming, I was thrilled to see Marva and Duke get their happy ending.

This book could not have come at a more important time. While I was reading it, voter suppression efforts in GA were all over the news, and all I kept thinking about were my newly 18 year old students who were attempting to vote for the first time. Readers will love the social justice, voting rights, and election discussions through the lens of our whip smart protagonist, and I can’t wait to hand this book to my most politically active students who will surely see themselves in Marva. This book is delightful and one that I couldn’t put down. Thanks to the author and publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I've discovered a number of books recently on both Goodreads and through NetGalley that highlight the activism of the young in politics and social justice and that is a good trend! This book was never more relevant as recent experiences in the GA polls (and elsewhere) show that voter suppression is alive and well in many areas. But even long-time voters are getting exhausted having to fight every single time and we need the energy and know-how of the young to pick up the fight. I was at a protest recently and I was thrilled to see how many young people (especially high school students) were so passionate about social justice issues--in fact, I was probably one of the oldest people present for the entire event. This is a GOOD thing and it gives me some hope that things do not have to continue the way it has always been. This book covered racial injustice, both at the polls and in every day life, gun violence, the privilege of not being able to ignore the injustices when it gets to be too much for you, and the death of a young person. And yet, even with such heavy subjects, there was a playfulness throughout that made me want to keep on reading. I think that even if this book is targeted for teens, it's a book that adults can enjoy as well. And as an aside, I LOVE Eartha Kitty/Selma! She was a fun addition to the book.

Special thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve never read any of Brandy Colbert’s books before, but after reading and loving this book, I’m definitely going to read her entire backlist! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity to read an early copy of this book

Things I liked:
- I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. Marva’s fervent passion for voting was contagious, and Duke was such a lovable guy who are so much throughout the story! I also loved the little aspects of their characters like the fact Marva ran an instagram for her adorable cat Selma, and that Duke played the drums in an indie-rock band called Drugstore Sorrow (what an awesome band name by the way!). Their friendship was so natural, and I love how it grew into something more over the course of this book!
- This book took place over one day, and that is one of favorite tropes! It was such a whirlwind following Marva and Duke trying to get his vote counted, and I was so invested along with the characters!
- I also love how this book approached the heavy topics that it sought to discuss. The author was never preaching, and the experiences of being Black in America were an integral part of the story without taking over the actual plot. It’s just as important to read books about Black people just being people, and The Voting Booth did just that.
- There was also a really impactful scene where the two characters getting pulled over by a police officer that really hit me hard.
- The family aspects and relationships in this book really ranged, but all of them tuned at my heart strings. Marva’s parents were so loving and supportive, and while Duke’s parents obviously love and care for him, they didn’t always see eye to eye. I could relate to both situations, but I just loved how present both sets of parents were!

Basically I loved everything about this book, and I want everyone to read it!!

It's election day for Marva and Duke! Marva's been waiting to vote in her first presidential election since she was old enough to know that she could. She's up early and first in line at her polling center. Duke, on the other hand, cares but really only makes the effort to vote to honor his deceased brother's memory. As Marva is leaving the polls she notices Duke being told he's not registered to vote there. The two pair up on a day long adventure to try and find a away for Duke to vote.

This book was really a treat! Brandy Colbert's writing style is flawless, I need to go back and read everything she's published. Marva and Duke were both well-written intelligent young adults who were very likable. I found myself tearing up at the conclusion of the novel, just because I felt so and happy for the characters. Marva's passion for politics and voting brought me back to those feelings I had when I was just becoming an adult around the 2008 election (although I wasn't even 18, yet!). I also learned a lot from Marva and Duke. Their conversations about what is was like to be a black teen in America and how that is intricately tied with their need to vote were very frank. I think The Voting Booth is a timely novel for the summer of 2020 and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know!

Thanks to Disney Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC!

This was delightful. Perfect for this year. The story covers a lot of important topics for teens but also manages to be super cute at the same time. Plus, you'll just fall in love with Marva and Duke. A great read for 2020 and beyond.

What a great timely book that’s needed right now. If only there were more people like Marva in the world. A great way for readers to learn about voting rights, activism, racism and so many other important topics. But, most of all to see Black joy in the world.

Marva and Duke are eighteen-year-olds with very different approaches to Election Day. She has devoted more time to get-out-the-vote efforts than she has to her cat Selma's social media presence. He just wants to cast a ballot and collect his sticker so his mom will lay off him. When he runs into trouble at their polling place, she makes it her mission to get his vote counted. Their day-long saga tackles some heavy topics for such a sweet romance (gun violence, disenfranchisement, and police brutality, to name a few) but still finds time for long walks along the beach and fried bologna sandwiches.

Wow. This book is exactly what I needed to get out of a reading slump. Main characters Duke and Marva were so fun to get to know. Marva, being a huge politico and also what would be called a "goodie goodie" was so interesting because I was the same way when I was able to finally vote. I wasn't as involved or drastic as her but it was fun to see. Duke was more like the rest of the world except that he actually cared to vote and go on this day long adventure to finally get to vote. It was so fun and just the perfect read.

I'm absolutely loving the recent trend of politics in YA, which is due to 2020 being an election year in the US. If you're, like me, interested in these types of books, I would say that The Voting Booth is pretty much required reading.

The Voting Booth reminded me a lot of The Sun Is Also a Star as well, since it also all happens in one day. This makes the book perfect to read in one sitting, and I found it a very fast and engaging read.

I think this book will appeal to a large audience. It handles subjects like racial injustice and gun violence, and the privilege of being able to opt out of activism because things don't have a direct impact on your life. And while all of this feels poignant and relevant, the book still manages to stay light and mostly fluffy, which I think is no small feat.

CWs: gun violence, past death of a sibling, racism

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & the publisher for a chance to read & review an E-ARC of this novel!**

This was such a cute read & it surprised me with it's discussions of very vital topics that need to be highlighted & discussed throughout society. It didn't surprise me with the fact that it discussed these topics...& not even with how well the author explores the topics. What surprised me was how well timed this novel is in continuing discussions that need to be had regarding aspects of & people within our communities that deserve & need to be seen/heard/validated/cared for. I enjoyed getting to know these characters & learning from their experiences. Please find my extended feedback below...along with some spoilers (beware).
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Things I Liked:
-Selma!: I loved Melva's cat. I'm a cat Meowm too & I also have a social media account for my furbaby. Crazy Cat Meowms UNITE! :)
-the advocacy: the focuses on the importance of voting/being involved in political discussions, the highlight on organizational issues against underrepresented populations, the calling out of systemic racism...it is all so important & very well done in this novel! I really feel that the author discusses some tough topics in this novel & she does so with grace while noting the imperative nature of these discussions
-how the characters had issues that were very realistic (family members passing away, mental health stigma, pressure regarding their future, family issues, etc.)
-how the characters also had aspects that made them likable & relatable (enjoying hobbies, quirky attitudes, witty comebacks, etc.)

Things That Didn't Sit Quite Right With Me:
-the romance did feel a bit rushed...but I sort of expected this with the story being set in a 24 hour period...it was still very cute
-there was a lot of things happening in this 24 hour period...it felt a bit unrealistic at times

Overall, I gave this novel 3 stars! I think it would be a great read for those interested in politics, rom-coms, YA, empowerment reads, & books set within 24 hours.

Any fan of Brandy Colbert can tell you that her writing is authentic and fully encapsulates what it feels like to be a teenager. Brandy Colbert just gets it and The Voting Booth is another exceptional example. Marva and Duke wake up on election day ready to cast their votes and have no idea what the day has in store for them. This book, that takes place in less than 24 hours, is impossible to put down as we see the main characters get entwined in each other's day. Marva and Duke end up on an adventure to make sure that Duke gets to cast his very first vote. This book encourages teens to take an active role in their communities and the thrill of voting for the first time is the backdrop of the novel. Brandy Colbert shows that caring is cool and making a difference, no matter how big, is important. This book also discusses police violence, racism, and racial discrimination. Marva and Duke have several conversations about growing up Black and how it has shaped their world. This book is timely and will inspire and reflect today's teens.

Oh, how I adore the look-at-everything-that-can-happen-in-one-day books.
This one is fun and snappy. I like Marva and Duke. Their chemistry and struggles and behaviors are real.
Respect, drive, being multifaceted, and finding your person are all wonderfully addressed in yet another great teen read by this author.

This was so good. It was a little all-in-one-day story about the importance of voting. There’s even a little romance too. This book tackled racial micro-aggressions, voter suppression, and white privilege. It was pretty short, so there’s not a ton to say about it, but I know a lot of Gen Z kids are huge into the activism scene and I think this will be a really good story for them leading up to the 2020 election. The voices of both main characters felt authentic. It’s really little things like Duke responding “bet.” as a text that makes them feel genuine but a lot of YA authors still don’t have that same touch.

It’s a little questionable that Marva starts the day with a boyfriend and develops feelings for Duke over the day, but there was no cheating in the book. The romance is a little rushed but it’s acknowledged and seems pretty well justified considering.

It’s a great time to read and support a fluffy Black political book, so I recommend checking this one out when it comes out next month.

I’ll put a content warning here for a missing cat, because it’s a decently sized part of the plot, & brings up really bad memories for me at least, but /////spoiler alert///// she comes home okay by the end.

Brandy Colbert is my favorite voice in young adult fiction. With that said, The Voting Booth caries through the strong characterization and treatment of young adults as peers that I love about her previous books.

Marva is incredibly passionate about finally getting to vote in her first election. Duke? Well, his mom might kill him if he doesn't vote. When he runs into some trouble checking in at the polls (maybe he registered at his old address), Marva overhears and commits to getting him to vote. She agrees to drive him to his actual polling station, but they encounter lots of roadblocks along the way, and the two start to grow closer to one another.

If you're looking for a fun and fairly light-hearted book that emphasizes the value of voting without pushing any political slants or viewpoints, I can't imagine a better book.

Marva is a serious voting enthusiast, and at 18 is getting to pull the lever for the first time. She's pissed at her boyfriend, Alec, who for reasons that never become clear, isn't voting. Enter Luke, a disenfranchised voter, who obviously Marva has to help vote. I forget which state they're in, California, I think, but it's a state that has same-day registration, not to mention school is held on Election Day. Is that really a thing? It's the November election, not a primary, and Marva is so committed that she misses a calculus test to help get Luke to the polling place for his former residence. Luke teases Marva for going to a fancy school and driving a Volvo, which annoys her, but she still thinks he's cute.

As the day progresses, they talk about race (they're both Black), class, and other topics, they get to know each other better. Luke even meets Marva's parents, who immediate like him better than ignorant white Alec.

It's a readable, but not the most satisfying. Also the Eartha Kitty (Instagram cat celeb) plot line was totally wack. If one of my cats was ever missing, I would freak the hell out and wouldn't worry about one dumbass kid with other resources getting his vote on.

Thanks, NetGalley and Disney for the DRC.