New
Book by Child Author Teaches Children
about Democracy in a Child-Friendly Way
Sniffing for Democracy chronicles the adventures of a dog named
Spangle who, after being arrested for criticizing the president,
searches the world over for a democracy that smells right because
his started to stink.
In chapters with titles like “Up Against the Great Wall of
Outsourcing,” “What is Democracy?” and “Talk
About Stench! Florida” Spangle meets dogs around the world
who instruct him about capitalism, pollution, outsourcing, the right
to vote, freedom of speech and war.
Spangle finds out what a true democracy smells like when he is thrust
back in time to the beginning of democracy in the United States
of Dogs. Invigorated Spangle resolves to join with other dogs and
change the smell of the democracy in 2004.
Lynn Chertkov, social worker and child therapist, recommends the
book to parents. “Sniffing for Democracy, enriched by the
words and drawings of a child, opens the door for children to understand
what democracy is—its strengths and weaknesses. It is both
entertaining and an excellent educational tool. It encourages an
exchange of ideas either in your home or in your classroom. This
is not just a book to buy and put on your shelf.”
Tony Trupiano, nationally syndicated radio show host of The Tony
Trupiano Show, “Sniffing for Democracy opens a door to the
ideal that empowering our children with a real understanding of
the political process, and giving voice and reason to be engaged
in what we have a birth right to participate in, is a gift any family
can give. This book is an excellent first step to introducing young
people in how to become engaged in and curious about their future.”
Parents and teachers can use Sniffing for Democracy as a springboard
for discussions about democracy, war, freedom of speech, pollution,
outsourcing and voting rights. A set of questions for book discussion
groups is provided to enable them to get the most out of this approachable
way of teaching about current events.
