The Art of the Possible
From 10 to 14 | 64 pages
We all know what a politician looks like, right? They’re old people who wear suits and make long, boring speeches full of indecipherable words. Not so fast! As The Art of the Possible explains, everyone is a politician — even young people who aren’t yet eligible to vote. We all have influence over how politics function.
But what are politics, and why do we need them? This book answers the universal query in nine short chapters that explain everything from why we form societies and the basic types of governments to the power of public opinion, methods of rhetoric and the reasons why politicians “lie.”
Written in an accessible, conversational voice and packed with anecdotes and case studies from across history and around the world, this book helps foster independent thought and curiosity about how a government works — or doesn’t work. Readers will come away equipped with the knowledge they need to understand current events and elections, and maybe even be empowered to civic action themselves.
Informational text features: table of contents, chapters, diagrams, sidebars, in-text definitions of key terms, glossary, index and sources
But what are politics, and why do we need them? This book answers the universal query in nine short chapters that explain everything from why we form societies and the basic types of governments to the power of public opinion, methods of rhetoric and the reasons why politicians “lie.”
Written in an accessible, conversational voice and packed with anecdotes and case studies from across history and around the world, this book helps foster independent thought and curiosity about how a government works — or doesn’t work. Readers will come away equipped with the knowledge they need to understand current events and elections, and maybe even be empowered to civic action themselves.
Informational text features: table of contents, chapters, diagrams, sidebars, in-text definitions of key terms, glossary, index and sources
"A demystifying resource that encourages readers to take interest and take action." - Publisher's Weekly
"An optimistically presented introduction to politics." - Kirkus Reviews
"Thanks to accessible content that will resonate with most students...this logical, relevant approach, combined with realistic suggestions on how to get involved, makes for an engaging alternative to standardized texts and just might spark some political careers." - Booklist
"A highly accessible introduction to politics...a useful addition to most collections." - School Library Journal
"Informative and insightful." - Waterloo Region Record
"Easy to take to heart, and has the potential to change the way young people see their world." - Quill & Quire, STARRED REVIEW
"Succeeds in conveying a topic often not covered at this grade level...a necessary book. Recommended." - School Library Connection
"Easy to understand...examples are very concrete. An ideal entry point for youth...may even serve as inspiration for anyone looking to become more involved." - Resource Links
An OLA Best Bet
The Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada 2016 Information Book Award, 2016
Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, 2016
