Who Runs This Country, Anyway?

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

Disguised as an oral report presented to their classmates by two
students, Zoe and Nathan, Who Runs This Country, Anyway? tells you
everything you need to know about government clearly, concisely, and in
a highly entertaining fashion.

The book is well organized, and any unfamiliar terms are explained
within the text. Topics are dealt with sequentially, making it easy to
locate specific information, such as how a bill is passed. Where
relevant, historical background is included; for example, Chapter 2,
“Winners and Losers,” contains the timelines A Short History of
Voting in Canada and Women’s Right to Vote in Canada.

The humorous side to Canadian government is explored with references to
the Absolutely Absurd Party (which promised free Tim Hortons coffee to
all Canadians) and the Lemon Party (whose mission it was to introduce
“more zest to Canadian politics”). Sidebars printed in a distinctive
font add interesting details; for example, visitors to the gallery in
the House of Commons are admonished not to applaud in Don’t Clap and A
Funny Little Rule explains that both the House of Commons and the Senate
are never called by their real names, but are referred to as The Other
Place.

Liberally illustrated with cartoonlike drawings, charts, and captioned
photographs, Who Runs This Country, Anyway? contains a wealth of
interesting information and trivia, which, it is suggested, may be used
to confound parents, teachers, and other adults. Zoe’s amusing asides
to Nathan alone will make this accessible and enjoyable guide to
Canadian government even more appealing to junior- and
intermediate-grade students. Highly recommended.