For Which We Stand

August 1, 2020
Seekers of essential information about the basics of government and political processes will find this handbook informative. Foster, an AP government teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, explains the functions and branches of the federal government, political parties, the electoral process, and the different responsibilities of city, state, and federal governments. Brief explanations of the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation follow along with a thorough description of the Constitution. Foster explains in simple, accessible language each article, the Bill of Rights, and other amendments. Informative discussions of the pros and cons of the Electoral College, how interest groups affect legislation, voter suppression, and gerrymandering further deepen readers' understanding. In the chapter on the Supreme Court, Foster lists only five significant cases, which can't help but give this section an arbitrary feel. Brown v. Board of Education is included but not Plessy v. Ferguson; Miranda v. Arizona is listed but not Gideon v. Wainwright; and Roe v. Wade is surprisingly absent. The final chapter encourages civic engagement and offers advice on how to become involved in the political process, using the March for Our Lives campaign as an example. Each spread features an appealing mix of black-and-white and full-color art, and infographics, charts, maps, and political caricatures provide further design variation. Glossary terms are highlighted in yellow. There are no suggestions for further reading--an unfortunate oversight. An appealing, accessible civics primer. (timeline, glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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November 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-Foster, an Advanced Placement Government and Politics teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, provides an essential guide to the U.S. government for upper-elementary and middle school students. The book's forward was penned by activist Yolanda Renee King, granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The text describes topics such as the different types of government, the Electoral College, civil service positions, the duties of the president, and more. Foster implores readers to get involved. His encouragement is genuine, as he draws upon his former activist students as examples. This book is broad in scope, yet it's written in age-appropriate language. McLaughlin's illustrations accompany explanations, and infographics help clarify confusing concepts. The format invites children to read from cover to cover or jump around from section to section as needed. The back matter includes an extensive glossary that will help readers decode any unfamiliar words. VERDICT Recommended for all collections, as this will be a particularly useful resource to turn to for the upcoming election.-Amy McInerney, Falmouth Elem. Sch., ME

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