Canada Close Up: Canadian Government

by Elizabeth MacLeod

Who's in charge here, anyway? Canadian Government takes a close-up look at how our country is run at all levels ― from federal politics in Ottawa to provincial politics and down to the municipal level. Readers meet some famous Canadian politicians and learn the structure and function of different governing bodies, what it means to be a constitutional monarchy, and why it's important for citizens to vote. This Canada Close Up title includes a table of contents, index and helpful glossary of terms. With concise, engaging text and bright, full-colour photographs throughout, Canadian Government shows young readers all the ways they can be involved in government ― at any age.

64 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2013

About the author

Elizabeth MacLeod was born on October 21 in Toronto. As a child Liz liked to read Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables books, swim, sing, dance, and hang out with her friends. Encouraged by her parents, she began writing stories and poetry for her own enjoyment at the age of 10, her favorite subjects being mad scientists and tyrants who threatened to take over the world.

Today Liz is inspired by almost anything--her friends, reading, and the funny, beautiful world around her. Her first job in publishing was at OWL magazine, and Liz credits editor Sylvia Funston as one of her mentors. Liz also names Valerie Wyatt, a writer and editor, as an important influence on her work, as well as a good friend.

An avid reader, Liz enjoyed digging up amazing facts and researching historic royals and their countries and customs for Royal Murder (2008). She encourages anyone with a desire to write to "just do it." Even if no one ever reads it, the joy that comes from expressing yourself through words is reward enough. Liz adds that writing takes practice, and with each day you are bound to improve.

Liz lives in Toronto with her husband, Paul, and their two cats, Smedley and Cosmo.

She enjoys keeping active, spending time with friends, music, theater, and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Liz plans to continue writing about a broad spectrum of topics in both fiction and non-fiction, and would like to work on more picture books in the future.

Reviews

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book in the Canada Close Up series. I have two other books in this series although I haven’t reviewed them yet. They are a great series for kids learning about Canada.

The book is small but still jam packed with information. I’ve been a Canadian citizen all my life but even I learned a thing or two. Canadian government can be confusing even to adults. I think the book did a good job of explaining things.

The first three chapters explain the difference between federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments. Chapter four is about Governors General and Chapter five is about voting.

There are full colour photographs and maps/diagrams to help illustrate the information. This is a great resource for ages 8-12 although I’d say reading level age 10 at least. I will be using this in my homeschool with my age 8 and 11.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good overview of the Canadian government appropriate for children or for anyone who would like a basic understanding. It had a pronunciation guide for some of the words, a glossary and highlights some specific people throughout our history and why they were important. It also talks about ways children/students can get involved in government.

[Jessica Thurlow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dry.
Feels a bit biased in favour of the conservative party.
Does not use inclusive language (Prime Minister solely referred to as him for example)

[LearnerMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

With everyone being "Buy Canadian" I remembered this book. I had my kids read it when they started highschool. It was a did a good job covering the material.