The Art of the Possible - by Edward Keenan (Paperback)

About the Book

"About: - Why do we need politics? This is a common question, from both naèive observer and disillusioned adult. This book answers the universal query by demonstrating that politics is a very human system, not some bizarre mechanism foisted upon an unwilling public by its overlords. - Most importantly, Ed's central thesis is built around the truth that everyone is a politician. Yes, even the readers of this book, despite not being eligible to vote, hold influence over how politicians function. - No matter how odd, leaden, or contradictory its methods can appear, almost everything that governs politics is driven by human tendencies, needs, and responses. - Using nine chapter essays, Edward Keenan explains these governing principles: the power of public opinion, the methods of rhetoric, the difference between policy and process, the reasons why politicians "lie." - Keenan uses numerous anecdotes and real-life case studies from across history, the continent, and the globe to bring life to these ideas. - The end goal is to bring the beginnings of independent thought and curiosity about how a government works...and doesn't work. And to understand the challenges of governing a large society, one that often filled with rifts and misunderstandings. - Back matter contains a glossary, index, and sources. This book will be an excellent research and supplementary reading tool for any civics and government section. - Fully illustrated in colour by Julie McLaughlin."--

Book Synopsis

We all know what a politician looks like, right? They're old people who wear suits and make long, boring speeches full of indecipherable words. Not so fast! As The Art of the Possible explains, everyone is a politician -- even young people who aren't yet eligible to vote. We all have influence over how politics function.

But what are politics, and why do we need them? This book answers the universal query in nine short chapters that explain everything from why we form societies and the basic types of governments to the power of public opinion, methods of rhetoric and the reasons why politicians "lie."

Written in an accessible, conversational voice and packed with anecdotes and case studies from across history and around the world, this book helps foster independent thought and curiosity about how a government works -- or doesn't work. Readers will come away equipped with the knowledge they need to understand current events and elections, and maybe even be empowered to civic action themselves.

Informational text features: table of contents, chapters, diagrams, sidebars, in-text definitions of key terms, glossary, index and sources

Review Quotes

"A demystifying resource that encourages readers to take interest and take action."-- "Publisher's Weekly"

"A great addition to a school curriculum's study of government."-- "The Calgary Herald"

"A highly accessible introduction to politics...a useful addition to most collections."-- "School Library Journal"

"An excellent and indispensable resource."-- "Canadian Children's Book News"

"An optimistically presented introduction to politics."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Easy to take to heart, and has the potential to change the way young people see their world."-- "Quill & Quire, STARRED REVIEW"

"Easy to understand...examples are very concrete. An ideal entry point for youth...may even serve as inspiration for anyone looking to become more involved."-- "Resource Links"

"Informative and insightful."-- "Waterloo Region Record"

"Succeeds in conveying a topic often not covered at this grade level...a necessary book. Recommended."-- "School Library Connection"

"Thanks to accessible content that will resonate with most students...this logical, relevant approach, combined with realistic suggestions on how to get involved, makes for an engaging alternative to standardized texts and just might spark some political careers."-- "Booklist"

"The readability, practical examples and illustrations...present this important material in an appealing format for the target audience. Recommended."-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Edward Keenan is a writer working in Toronto. An eight-time National Magazine Award finalist, he was a Senior Editor for Eye Weekly and The Grid, and is now a city politics columnist for the Toronto Star. His first book, Some Great Idea, a study of the political history of Toronto, was published by Coach House Books in 2013. He hosts "The Keenan Wire Radio Program" weekly on CIUT 89.5 FM.

Julie Mclaughlin is a Vancouver-based illustrator whose clients include the National Post, FFWD, Exclaim!, AirBnB, and numerous advertising agencies. She is the illustrator of Why We Live Where We Live.