wiseup adventure series:
chris and key go vote!
Voting is a superpower!
Author and attorney Christian Wise Smith learned, when running for the office of Fulton County, GA, District Attorney, that many people believed their vote didn't matter. So he set out to help educate the next generation of citizens about the incredible power they have — a superpower! — of voting for elected officials to represent them in government. "I wanted to do something to eliminate the negative thinking that people have about whether their vote can make a difference," Chris says. "The answer: our kids, the next generation. By teaching our children now about the superpower of voting, they'll grow up knowing that their votes will matter one day soon! I also wanted to do more than just tell them about voting, so the book is interactive. Young readers learn the voting process in a simple way by completing a voter registration card and casting a ballot for their favorite color!" |
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voting matters!
It’s time to train up the next generation to understand and appreciate the power and significance of voting! WISEUP Adventure Series: Chris & Key Go Vote! is a fun and easy-to-understand children’s book about voting and the political process. One day, our children will have the power to change the world from the ballot box (by voting AND running for office). We need to teach our children that their role as citizens is important, and one vital way they will play their part to lead our nation is to exercise their right to vote. Take your kids on a WISEUP Adventure to the voting booth!
Author and father-of-four Christian Wise Smith
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WISEUP Adventure Series: Chris & Key Go Vote! in paperback on Amazon
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In addition to teaching about the voting process, Chris & Key Go Vote! shows children that people of color play a crucial role in civic leadership.
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Christian's four children are avid fans of
Chris & Key Go Vote!
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Christian and wife Keonda know it's important to begin reading to children from infancy!
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meet christian wise smith
Christian Wise Smith is a husband, father of four, and an attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the founder of the National Social Justice Alliance (NSJA), a nonprofit organization on a mission to unite prosecuting attorneys across the country to end police brutality. After serving as an Assistant Prosecutor for seven years, Christian ran for Fulton County District Attorney in 2020. He also served the City of Atlanta as Chief of Staff to Atlanta City Council District 5.
Before finishing high school, Chris saw several family members and friends destroyed by murder, violence, drugs, and other crimes. At 17, he was kicked out of school. Headed down a path leading straight to a jail cell, he encountered Officer William Dean Sr., a police officer who took an interest in helping him break free of the low expectations inherent in his situation. Because of Dean's mentorship, Chris learned that he was capable of changing his path. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, ultimately earning his Bachelor's, Master's, and Juris Doctor degrees.
The horrors experienced during Chris' childhood ultimately led him to devoting his career to working with youth. He was instrumental in building Atlanta's At-Promise Center, a youth crime initiative that provides GED preparation and testing, mental health treatment and counseling, and career readiness training. He also served on the board of My Journey Matters, a diversion program started by Georgia Supreme Court Judge Shawn LaGrua.
Christian served as a mentor to youth offenders with Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED) and served on the board of Taking Action to Overcome Obstacles (TATOO). He has spoken at many elementary and high schools in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan to combat the “school to prison pipeline.” In 2017, he received the U.S. Attorney Award for Community Outreach.
Christian Wise Smith is living proof that an individual can change his or her path and create a positive future for themselves and their families. Now, he's bringing that same spirit of positive change to the next generation through upbeat, educational, and fun books! As Chris says, "WISEUP!"
Before finishing high school, Chris saw several family members and friends destroyed by murder, violence, drugs, and other crimes. At 17, he was kicked out of school. Headed down a path leading straight to a jail cell, he encountered Officer William Dean Sr., a police officer who took an interest in helping him break free of the low expectations inherent in his situation. Because of Dean's mentorship, Chris learned that he was capable of changing his path. He became the first in his family to graduate from college, ultimately earning his Bachelor's, Master's, and Juris Doctor degrees.
The horrors experienced during Chris' childhood ultimately led him to devoting his career to working with youth. He was instrumental in building Atlanta's At-Promise Center, a youth crime initiative that provides GED preparation and testing, mental health treatment and counseling, and career readiness training. He also served on the board of My Journey Matters, a diversion program started by Georgia Supreme Court Judge Shawn LaGrua.
Christian served as a mentor to youth offenders with Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED) and served on the board of Taking Action to Overcome Obstacles (TATOO). He has spoken at many elementary and high schools in Alabama, Georgia, Ohio, and Michigan to combat the “school to prison pipeline.” In 2017, he received the U.S. Attorney Award for Community Outreach.
Christian Wise Smith is living proof that an individual can change his or her path and create a positive future for themselves and their families. Now, he's bringing that same spirit of positive change to the next generation through upbeat, educational, and fun books! As Chris says, "WISEUP!"
Christian wise smith is available for speaking engagements, media appearances, and interviews.Topics Include:
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praise for chris & Key go vote!
"This book needs to be in every elementary school in America."
"Want a great book for children that discusses Black History and the right to vote? Then this book is for you!"
"My grandkids and I love this book. This book is much needed and right on time!"
"Including a voter registration card and ballot for the kids was a brilliant idea! What an amazing and useful book!"
"Want a great book for children that discusses Black History and the right to vote? Then this book is for you!"
"My grandkids and I love this book. This book is much needed and right on time!"
"Including a voter registration card and ballot for the kids was a brilliant idea! What an amazing and useful book!"
Reader gallery
NEWSWISEUP Adventure Series: Chris & Key Go Vote! slated for Columbus, OH schools
Author Christian Wise Smith announced that Columbus, OH, elementary schools will introduce his first children's book into its school system in the 2021-22 school year. In addition, Cincinnati Public Schools also will work with Chris to add the book to its curriculum. Noting the enthusiasm of schools for the book, Chris said, "An elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, ordered a copy of WISEUP Adventure Series: Chris & Key Go Vote! for very student!" For more information about adding this book to your school's social studies or civics lessons, contact Chris! |
setting an exampleChristian Wise Smith featured in Black History Month project
Matt Carpenter, a Cincinnati third grader, featured author Christian Wise Smith as his noteworthy Black American during Black History Month. "This really touched my heart," Chris said. "Everything I do is to inspire and motivate the next generation. I never imagined something like this, though!" |