You Call This Democracy? How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People

 You Call This Democracy? How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People by Elizabeth Rusch is a slim read but it packs a lot of information.  The length, tone and format are ideal for a young adult audience. As a former middle school social studies teacher I would definitely use this book with my students.  Rusch writes about the history and current context of these complex issues in an understandable way.  It would even be useful for adults to read to better understand the systems that are in place today and what they can do about changing them, too!

  The U.S. prides itself on its freedoms and the ability for its people to have a voice in their government.  Unfortunately, this is not totally accurate.  Rusch examines each part of our democracy and notes the ways it's not working as intended.  Parts like the Electoral Collage, gerrymandering, the Senate, money in politics, mudslinging, voter supression, and more.  

The best parts of the book are the dynamic, eye-catching infographics and action-items for the reader to take, if they are so moved.  

It is no surprise that Rusch's book was a finalist for the award in excellence in nonfiction for the Youth Media Awards in 2021.