Granddaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box

Summary of Book

Based on the true story of one family’s struggle for voting rights in the civil rights–era South, this moving tale shines an emotional spotlight on a dark facet of U.S. history.

Life on the farm with Granddaddy is full of hard work, but despite all the chores, Granddaddy always makes time for play, especially fishing trips. Even when there isn’t a bite to catch, he reminds young Michael that it takes patience to get what’s coming to you. One morning, when Granddaddy heads into town in his fancy suit, Michael knows that something very special must be happening—and sure enough, everyone is lined up at the town hall! For the very first time, Granddaddy is allowed to vote, and he couldn’t be more proud. But can Michael be patient when it seems that justice just can’t come soon enough? This powerful and touching true-life story shares one boy’s perspective of growing up in the segregated South, while beautiful illustrations depict the rural setting in tender detail.

Author Biographies

Michael S. Bandy is the co-author, with Eric Stein, of White Water, which was adapted into a screenplay that awarded the authors a Bill Cosby Screenwriting Fellowship. He lives in Los Angeles.

Eric Stein, co-author with Michael S. Bandy of White Water, has written for the children’s TV series Star Street. He lives in Santa Monica, California.

Illustrator Biography

James E. Ransome is the illustrator of many books for children, including Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, Let My People Go, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner The Creation. James E. Ransome lives in Rhinebeck, New York.