Government and Democracy

April 1, 2017
Gr 4-7-Core social values are earnestly explored with an aim at fostering global citizenship. Candid writing tackles many complicated topics, making them understandable yet engaging for middle schoolers. A visually rich mixture of historical and contemporary photos nicely complement the text while conveying the series's message of social acceptance and tolerance through its aptly diverse, multicultural images. Broad in scope, these titles adopt a strong worldview, citing significant examples of how these values are perceived at home and worldwide, both historically and currently. In some volumes, case studies are provided to further illuminate these topics. Back matter includes critical thinking questions for discussion and writing prompts. VERDICT A solid tool to encourage diversity and social acceptance.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2017
Among the rising tide of series nonfiction about government and citizenship, these titles in the Our Values series take on core principles underlying a free, democratic society. Though the subject of Government and Democracy is necessarily complicated to describe, the book's main point, that governments help communities of people live and work together peacefully and create and enforce laws that benefit its citizens, is a great place to start. Each spread includes plenty of full-color, labeled photos supplementing the text, and the accessible language is very inviting. Though these volumes might raise more questions than answers, those questions will likely lead to meaningful, thought-provoking conversations.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)