Politics

What is power, and how do communities govern themselves? Who is likely to end up with power in a society, and why? What is the best form of government, what is democracy, and how does a government work? What are all its responsibilities? In this fascinating and visually appealing guide for young readers, Eduard Altarriba takes readers through the potentially confusing world of politics in a step-by-step way, explaining why politics exists and how it operates. This is a very detailed book, covering aspects of politics from the economy to constitutions, the difference between centralised and federal governing systems, propaganda, left and right politics, majorities and coalitions, populism and corruption. Although it’s presented in picture book format, the content of information is definitely suitable for children in Year 6-8 and above – though the ideas are presented well and clearly, even some adults would struggle to understand the difference between, for instance, legislative, judicial and executive power. However, it’s a fascinating book for children interested in how the world works, and would probably benefit from discussion in class or at home.

* BookTrust *

In the latest of this excellent series, Eduard Altarriba guides readers through what can often be a confusing topic and not only for younger readers. Questions including What is power? Who has it and how do communities govern themselves? are explained in a step-by-step manner. There’s also a look at the origins of political thought, democracy and forms of government going right back to Ancient Greece. What is democracy, what is the best form of government and how does a government operate are also covered, as is what are the responsibilities of a government, left and right politics, majority governments and coalitions

Corruption and Populism too are discussed and the book poses a What would you do question on the final spread. Readers are asked to don the hat of mayor of a town where a multinational company wants to build a factory on land very near the river. Clearly and concisely presented using infographics and diagrams this is an illuminating introduction to a vital topic relating to how the world works for Y6 readers and beyond, adults included. Teachers will find class discussion topics aplenty here too.

-- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *

Another worthy addition to this highly accessible series of #nonfictionbooksforkids #Politics by @eduardaltarriba is an easy-to-understand explanation about our various sutras of governance and how they impact society. Supported by clear and stylish #infographics this is one of a hugely impactful set of #nonfictionbooks @gmcpublications.

* @bookgiftblogger *

A new addition to the My World Series, this a helpful guide that explains politics in a simple and child friendly way.

* @father_teacher_reader *

Eduard Altarriba’s Politics, part of the My World series, introduces general concepts of politics and its component parts without focusing on specific forms of government. Though its discussions are high-level, it gives its audience language and ideas to explore further.

The book begins by discussing the concept of power, defining it as “the ability some people have to influence others.” Then it explains some of the ways people might acquire or use power. Brief explanations of social hierarchy and class structures, violence as a tool of power, and the idea of laws and regulations complement these themes.

Because of its nation-neutral approach, Politics covers some concepts, as with the idea of a head of state versus a head of government, of proportional representation, or of elections called rather than prescheduled, in a way that’s most applicable to countries with parliamentary systems. But it also details differences between planned economies and economic liberalism and between dictatorship, monarchy, and democracy well. It defines ideas like infrastructure, foreign policy, the armed forces, populism, and corruption with clarity, in the space of a quick blurb or two.

Throughout, the book is heavy with illustrations—sometimes used to clarify ideas from the text. For example, a section about majorities and coalitions uses a color-coded chart of a seated parliament and math equations about its makeup to explain these ideas. And the broad range of topics covered and the brevity of the text make the book an effective tool for drawing comparisons between political systems.

Politics is an approachable primer that introduces basic political science concepts to inspire further inquiry into how governments function.

* Foreword Revie