The Art of the Possible

This short book covers a wide spectrum of the activities encompassed in the field of politics. From advocacy, voting, government systems, and policy, to conflict resolution, argumentation, and the power of the individual to effect change, this book covers it all in an accessible, conversational style. It includes useful illustrations, a glossary of terms, and case studies for discussion, which would make it a good resource for classroom use.

This is an excellent book for a young child to read during this time of the year.

Ages 10-14. An even-handed and optimistic introduction to politics that teaches young people that politics isn't just something that happens somewhere else. One doesn't have to be old enough to vote to change the world—just look at Malala Yousafzai. We are introduced to a few kids who have made a major difference in their communities. We also learn about an average citizen who fought for what she believed in and won.

There are chapters with basic information on the types of government and the belief sets of different ideologies. Complex concepts are explained in a concise and easy-to-understand way. The author uses recent examples to elaborate on their points, such as the Iraq War, court rulings on gay marriage, and the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. The central focus is on being an active and informed citizen. This book discusses how groups of people with conflicting opinions can get better results. It answers many important questions on communicating well and the nature of conflict. How do you construct a good argument? In what ways is conflict both good and bad? What’s the difference between a fight and a debate?

This book is such a breath of fresh air during a contentious election season. It’s a great introduction to being an active and engaged citizen, even if you just keep informed and discuss issues with friends and family. Books like this will go a long way to cultivating an informed, rational generation of citizens.