Democracy!: A positive primer on people power. Discover what defines a democracy and why your voice matters.

Kids are sure to be hearing much about democracy these days, especially in this election season. But it is likely most youngsters don’t have much of an idea about what democracy means. Author-illustrator Philip Bunting uses the metaphor of a plant to explain the complexities of democracy as a seed planted long ago that has grown into a beautiful system serving many people around the world today.

Where did democracy come from? Readers are given a little history lesson that will take them back two thousand five hundred years to Ancient Greece, where the beginnings of democracy were developed. He includes a nice timeline with important steps in the development that will carry young readers from Ancient Athens to today.

This is followed by a good discussion of modern democracy, how elections work, what other forms of government can be found around the world, and how young people can become involved in our government and make their voices heard.

Bunting uses inviting, kid-friendly language and cute illustrations to hook young readers into learning about our system of government and why it’s important to them. This is a terrific introduction for readers in second through fifth grade.