That's Not Fair!

January 15, 2016
Based on the Canadian animated video series of the same name, this collection of six stories about a diverse democratic city and its governing body frames some of the very important conversations that adults need to have with children about rights and freedoms and accepting difference. Each story begins with a problem facing the councilors or the citizens, which is then followed by a vote on some law--but the real lesson comes when the execution of the laws brings unintended and "unfair" consequences. Mayor Moe observes the squabbling, untidy city council and decides to impose a uniform, for instance. This excludes Councillors Twist and Cuddly, who are required by their religions to wear head coverings, so the city council re-examines its law. Councillor Bug often breaks the fourth wall to point out when a law or consequence of a law is unfair. It's a kid-friendly device, as is the book's built-in interactive element. Each story ends with an extended discussion, followed by questions. These questions (What was the purpose of the law? Was it achieved? Were there any problems that arose from it?) will prompt conversations and ensure clarity on the messages received from each tale. Further reinforcement comes in a wrap-up note at the end. Patel's comical illustrations, also based on the animated series, are consistently entertaining; the vibrant and charismatic creatures offer a rainbow of fur colors and body types and a broad range of expressions. A solid civics and civil-liberties primer. (Nonfiction. 7-12)

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February 1, 2016

Gr 3-5-Adapted from a video series by the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust, this title takes children through a series of episodes about unfair laws in order to teach them about democracy and rights. In an unnamed city, the bumbling Mayor Moe and his councillors, a multicolored group of anthropomorphized creatures, make unfair laws, each of which brings unforeseen consequences. Topics range from freedom of assembly to employment discrimination. The sole voice of reason is Councillor Bug, who consistently squeaks, "That's not fair!" At the end of each section, there is a summary and questions to get readers thinking. While this selection is very Western-centric, there is no mention of the Bill of Rights, which to an audience in the United States may be confusing and limit understanding of how these legal rights are guaranteed. Mayor Moe is also referred to as "Your Worship," another specifically Canadian reference. With no index or bibliography, the book reads more like a discussion starter than an informational text. The digitally rendered characters are cartoony and exaggerated, but the complicated language, with no glossary or definitions, makes it difficult to determine the appropriate audience. VERDICT Purchase as a supplement and discussion aide for curricula about rights and freedoms, but pair with another volume with more specific material about the Bill of Rights.-Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2016
Grades 2-6 A hallmark of early adolescence is a keen awareness of matters of equity and justice, and this book capitalizes on young people's complicated relationship with rules. McLaughlin, a Canadian educator and civil liberties advocate, offers six vignettes that feature fictional Mayor Moe and his city council as they debate situations that mirror actual social conflict. Topics such as religious expression, criminal law, freedom of speech, and discrimination are all played out by anthropomorphized citizens and depicted in colorful cartoons. Major themes include the inevitability of conflict in any free society and the profound need for participation in a healthy democracy. By using highly stylized characters, this book is able to tackle some very sticky controversies in an approachable way that will open endless avenues of discussion. Each story is followed by a brief summary and comprehension questions that foster strong connections to constitutional tenents. The complexities to civil freedoms are daunting, but with age-appropriate characters and kid-friendly situations, this makes the ambiguity of the law an exciting and accessible topic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)