Papa's Mark

Reach for this book when your child starts asking questions about why some voices matter more than others or when they need to see how small acts of learning can lead to major moments of dignity. It is an ideal choice for discussing the weight of responsibility and the pride that comes from helping a parent or elder achieve a personal goal. The story follows young Simms as he helps his father, a hard working blacksmith, learn to write his name so he can vote for the first time in their rural Southern community. While the setting is historical, the emotional core is timeless: the bond between father and son and the courage required to stand up for one's rights. Parents will appreciate the way it introduces the concept of literacy as a tool for empowerment and justice. It is a gentle yet profound introduction to the history of voting rights, suitable for children ages 6 to 10 who are developing their own sense of fairness and civic identity.