This breezy introduction to becoming politically aware goes down easy, thanks to accessible content that will resonate with most students. Keenan avoids traditional approaches based on systems of government in favor of the compelling argument that, since everyone is affected by politics, everyone, including kids, should be aware of how politics work. He identifies three powerful tools blic opinion, public rhetoric, and public debate d provides realistic examples and case studies that showcase their effectiveness. These scenarios often feature young activists, including international luminaries as well as local heroes active in grassroots movements, and an entire chapter is dedicated to staying informed, with an added focus on media bias.This offering will be especially powerful when paired with other accounts of social activism, such as Malala Yousafzai's I Am Malala (2014) or Paula Yoo's Twenty-Two Cents (2014). Politics can be a dense, complex topic, and 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.

Focusing on Western representative democracy (mostly Canada and the U.S.), Keenan's readable introduction emphasizes the importance of the political process and touches on conflict resolution, compromise, polarization, public opinion, and the power of an informed citizenry. Unobtrusive drawings and inserts of case studies effectively complement the narrative. An informative, positive, if somewhat simplistic view of politics for young readers. Bib., glos., ind.