Operation Clean Sweep

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the tricky balance between loyalty to family and standing up for what is right. Set during the 1912 Umatilla, Oregon elections, this story follows Cornelius, the son of the town mayor, as his mother leads a secret female ticket to run against his father. It is an excellent choice for children who are beginning to notice power dynamics or who feel caught between two people they love. Through humor and heart, the book explores themes of gender equality, civil engagement, and the courage required to challenge the status quo. It is age-appropriate for elementary and middle-school readers, offering a gentle yet firm look at historical justice. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes the suffrage movement, making big political concepts feel personal and relatable through the eyes of a young boy.