Product Description

Democracy - America has it and it seems like many other countries want it. But what exactly is a democracy and how easy is it to maintain? Despite the banter in today's media, many Americans are still in the dark when it comes to knowing and acting upon their rights and responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society. In refreshingly candid and straight-to-the-point language author Elissa Grodin takes readers of all ages on an A-Z trip through our government's structure, from its earliest beginnings to definitons of basic components and concepts (including immigration and taxation). Engaging, disarming, and frequently thought-provoking artwork from illustrator Victor Juhasz emphasizes the magnitude of the subject. From founding fathers, first ladies, and the First Amendment to the presidential oath of office, D is for Democracy details the political processes, parties, and people of democracy, American-style.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #534826 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781585363285
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. The organizing device for this book on the U.S and its government is the alphabet, with each letter introducing a person, place, thing, or concept. From "Amendment" and "Bill of Rights" to "You and me" and "Zeitgeist," each letter inspires a rhymed couplet about the topic, though some are a bit arcane: "X marks the spot / for a meeting one fall / of the very first Congress / in Philadelphia's Carpenter's Hall." The accompanying text includes two or three informative paragraphs written in polysyllabic words at a much higher reading level than the verse. The book's intended audience is a puzzle, as readers old enough to understand the text may well be put off by the alphabet theme and the verse. However, the broad appeal of Juhasz's colorful artwork is clear. Sure to please anyone from young children to adults, the drawings have an informal, accessible look bolstered by abundant energy, evident skill in caricature, and a sure sense of composition. For larger collections. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Clever, colorful cartoon illustrations and caricatures help make this book attractive and fun...The text offers a great deal of information about the history of democracy, the development and processes of American government, and the people who have contributed to our country...A charming and informative volume."
--School Library Journal (October 2004) (School Library Journal 20050601)

"D is for Democracy is the little book that should: Be a part of every child's library, be required reading for every member of Congress and inspire every American to get involved in promoting the uniquely American values that shine through all the letters on every page of this wonderful book."
--Phil Donahue, June 2005 (Doody Enterprises 20050601)

"Z is for Zeitgeist?" I always check the z entry of an alphabet book first, and was I surprised when I looked at the last letter in D is for Democracy! The use of the term "zeitgeist" puts a brilliant cap on this look at the fundamental rights and responsibilities of living in a democracy. Yet it's an ABC book, but one with a solid commitment to democratic ideals and the belief that, as stated in "Q is for Questions? that "Taking part in a democracy is every citizen?s task."
--Walter Mayes, Author of Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children (other than publication 20050401)

"When I was a young boy my history book looked like it was 1,000 pages long and a tough read. Here?s a kid's book [D is for Democracy] even an adult can read, enjoy, and learn from, that actually explains democracy so simply and effectively, you mean it when you shout out "What a country!"
--Regis Philbin (other than publication 20050101)

"As a former school librarian and school librarian of the year for the state of North Carolina, I heartily endorse this book [D is for Democracy]. Not only does it explain our government in simple terms for young children, it also contains excellent facts and ideas for older children that they can use in research or other projects. The illustrations are also wonderful. This book (in multiple copies) should be in every school library in the country!"
--Vicki Stanfield, Moravian Book and Gift Shop, Winston-Salem, N.C. (other than publication )

"...the book challenges readers to participate in democracy and to take citenship seriously. Citizens should be informed, ask questions and vote. Readers will understand that D is also for doing the democratic process."
--Foreword, April 2005 (Doody Enterprises )

"Sure to please anyone from young children to adults, the drawings have an informal, accessible look bolstered by abundant energy, evident skill in caricature, and a sure sense of composition."
--Booklist, January 2005 (Booklist )

Customer Reviews

A picturebook worthy of the highest recommendation
Clearly written by Elissa Grodin and distinctively illustrated by Victor Juhasz, D Is For Democracy is not an ordinary alphabet book. Each letter is associated with a word or concept associated with democratic government, such as J is for Judicial branch, and a simple poem (J is for Judicial branch - / For justice, judge, and jury. / Those who do not break the law / never have to worry) - but in addition, a much more extensive sidebar appropriate for young folks of grade school reading level and up explains in-depth the value of the idea to a pluralistic, representative society, such as how the Brown v. Board of Education judicial case brought a landmark change in America when the Supreme Court ruled segregation to be unconstitutional. Kindly color illustrations of our nations' institutions at work bring the points to life in D Is For Democracy, a picturebook worthy of the highest recommendation.