Elinor Batezat Sisulu

I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. The illustrations are beautiful and immensely detailed, which adds a more serious note to the story. This story was empowering, reading about this 100 year olds determination to vote for the first time in her life. What was even more amazing to me was how the narrator, who is so young, was able to pick up on the fact that this moment in time was momentous, which you can see when she remarks that "the best part of the day was Gogo voting". This girl got to stay up past her bedtime, surrounded by family and friends, and still thought her grandma going to vote was the best thing to happen that day. That was such a heartwarming moment for me that really elevated the already excellent plot. This book would be a great introduction to the struggle African and African American people have faced when it comes to equality.… (mehr)

It is a book about a six year-old girl's first time voting experience on the day Mr. Nelson Mandela became the president od South Africa. She went with her grandma Gogo, who was 100 years old. Gogo babysat the little girl and taught her everything whe knew. Gogo really wanted to vote, but her family was working that day and oone was able to take her to the voting booth. But Gogo really presisted, so the family called a wealthy relative Mr. Ramushu, who sent a car to bring them. The election day was very special, everyone were the best clothes, and then the whole town celebrated all night by dancing and singing! They were very happy that Nelson Mandela won! I liked this book because it teaches children of an importance of voting, and gives a teacher an opportunity to explain to kids some of the history behind South Africa, and about incredible life of legendary Mandela.… (mehr)

A tale of admiration, of sacrifice and of freedom. The Day Gogo Went to Vote is set in April 1994 South Africa during Presidential elections. For the first time in South African history, a black man is running for President and black Africans are now allowed to vote. The story is told in the voice of six-year-old Thembi, the great-granddaughter of the eldest woman in town, Mrs.Mokoena "Gogo". Gogo becomes the first black woman to vote in a South African election and is given the red carpet treatment on the way to the polls to cast her vote. Documenting the entire event is Thembi, helping her grandmother to the polls and becoming apart of history. The relationship between Gogo and Thembi is heartwarming… (mehr)

An excellent and timeless story of social justice and reform. This award-winning book appeals to a wide and diverse audience. Not only to African Americans, but to women and other marginalized minorities. The story takes place in South Africa in 1994 when the first legal democratic election took place and Nelson Mandela, a political prisoner for 30 years, was elected to lead and govern his people. This tale was very moving to me on a personal level. My grandmother was born the year before American women were given the right to vote. It is a bittersweet reminder that I am not too far removed from a time when I would not have been allowed to cast my vote. I have a feeling this story could spark some excellent classroom discussion regarding equality and rights across gender, race, and socioeconomic lines.… (mehr)