Declare Yourself: Speak. Connect. Act. Vote. More than 50 Celebrated Americans Tell You Why

In his foreword to this collection of celebrity testimonials to the importance of voting, Lear explains that he and his wife bought one of the 25 known remaining copies of the Declaration of Independence in 2001 and sent it on a “road trip.” Inspired by the success of its tour, they asked themselves what the Declaration “might wish us to do to help advance its vision” and decided to promote voter registration; designed to reach young people. their nonpartisan group Declare Yourself was born. Teens are likely to find at least several contributors whose voices interest them: media stars (Tyra Banks, Rob Riggle), athletes (Mike James, Sasha Cohen), musicians (the members of Maroon 5, L'il Romeo), authors (Maya Angelou, Chris Crutcher), etc. Many of the contributors say much the same thing—that every vote counts—and hold up the example of the 2000 presidential election to make their case. The most memorable draw on family history, as in Alice Walker's moving description of her father, who walked past armed white men to become the first black voter in the county. An appendix lists resources for further political engagement. Ages 14–up. (June)