Review Detail

To state the obvious, it's an election year -- and voters are more involved than ever. But, what does it all mean? What is the mysterious "Electoral College"? Who pays for campaigning presidential hopefuls? What is a new president's very first assignment? What is a third party? Why is voting important, and when did it first start?

In this book, entertainingly laid out with hilarious cartoons and fascinating sidebars, you'll find out all these things, and much more. There is something here to enthrall everyone.

If you love celebrity gossip, check out the (pretty immature) competition between some of the founding fathers of our country. Find out about George Washington's cash-flow problems (he was always in debt). Learn how a mule named Boston Curtis was voted into an official office in 1938, and a cat named Smudge le Plume was elected mayor of Guffey, Colorado (alas, Mayor le Plume was assassinated by an owl).

If you've got a yen for history -- not dull, dry you-gotta-memorize-'em facts, but thrilling stories about the past -- this book is packed with great tales, including the reason we see donkeys and elephants associated with the Democratic and Republican parties.

After you've learned all about elections and voting, go out and change history. The authors tell you exactly how one person can make a difference, even if that person can't yet vote.

Highly recommended for readers of any age, who are guaranteed to learn a ton about the election process in the most enjoyable fashion.