The Best Way to Get Your Way

March 1, 2023
A basic introduction to formal debating. Pairing off 10 young speakers--depicted as racially diverse in Nibbelink's stylized artwork--to tackle such bland propositions as "Kids should clean their rooms" and "Kids should do their homework," Kyi lays out opening statements, rebuttals, and conclusions for each exchange of views. These are accompanied by analytical notes on chains of logic, evaluation of authorities and information sources, and types of arguments as well as pointers on proper delivery. Readers are unlikely to find any of the presentations actually persuasive one way or the other, but as samples they do show how to frame and counter arguments, present factual data, and sum up. Still, despite incorporating catchy slogans into some arguments ("Mess-free is stress-free"), she never challenges her underlying premise that rational discourse alone is enough to effect opinions in the real world--so her promise to impart "persuasion superpowers" to her audience will more likely come to pass using more detailed and nuanced handbooks like Claire Duffy's The Teen's Guide to Debating and Public Speaking (2018). Kyi does offer a list of meatier topics to tackle, along with a generalized description of what to expect at an academic-style debate, at the end. A quick once-over best for sparking interest in debating, but look elsewhere for a richer treatment. (glossary, selected sources, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

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May 1, 2023
Grades 3-6 In this debate primer, Kyi takes five topics that typically cause household conflict--chores, screen time, eating vegetables, bedtime, and homework--and uses them as the basis for developing formal pro and con arguments. In each case, two fictional children represent a debate team and offer opening statements to explain their case, back up their arguments with facts and statistics, and provide rebuttals and closing arguments. The sections are segmented to make it clear which part of the debate is being presented. In between some sections, boxed text introduces related debate terms and strategies, such as causation versus correlation, fallacy, and citation of reliable sources, while vibrant digital art gives this informational book a lighter tone. A prompt at the end of each debate includes guided questions to help students decide whether they are pro or con on the issues. A concluding section describes more debate basics (common debate schedules, what judges look for) and poses more debate topics. This useful resource encourages active listening and respectful discourse--valuable skill sets at any age.

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June 23, 2023

Gr 3-5-Let's face it-we all wanna get our way in life. Unfortunately, for kids, their lack of power and agency often means that they must accept rules they find unfair. This book lays out how to debate (and hopefully win!) in a way that's clear and understandable for readers. Each chapter includes two fictional kids arguing either side of a topic like whether kids should go to bed early, or if screen time is positive or negative for children. Each argument, pro or con, is structured the same way: opening statements, presentations of evidence, rebuttals, and closing arguments. Throughout the debates, the narrator discusses some important concepts in effective debate, such as causation vs. correlation, biased sources, logical fallacy, factual accuracy, and repletion. After reading the arguments, kids are encouraged to pick a side based on which argument they believed was the strongest. With a diverse cast and kid-friendly arguments, this is a unique guidebook that empowers all readers to build their debate tenacity. Who knows? Maybe someday they can use it to change the world. VERDICT Distinctive and ideal for its age group, this book would be great for school libraries and classrooms.-Abby Bussen

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