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list price: $9.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook
category: Children's Fiction
published: Apr 2011
ISBN:9781554690695
publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Power Play

A Graphic Guide Adventure

by Liam O'Donnell, illustrated by Mike Deas

tagged: values & virtues, mystery & detective, action & adventure
Description

Devin and Nadia team up with Bounce, Pema and Marcus as they all travel to Northern Ontario to watch their parents present to the Summit of World Leaders.

A swarm of politicians, lobbyists, corporate bosses and protestors have all converged on the summit to get their messages heard. A tragic accident just hours before their parents' presentation plunges the kids into their biggest mystery yet and sets them on the trail of a murderer bent on stopping their parents' controversial message from being heard. It's a fight against the planet's power players as the kids dive into the world of politics, uncovering how government works, the history of democracy, the influence of lobbyists and corporations on politicians and the potential of civil society to change it all.

About the Authors

Liam O'Donnell is an author and educator who has created over forty books and graphic novels for young readers, including the Max Finder Mystery, Graphic Guide Adventure and West Meadows Detectives series. He was born in Northern Ireland and came to Canada when he was five years old. He studied media at Ryerson University and has worked on film sets in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Liam lives in London, Ontario.


Mike Deas is an author/illustrator of graphic novels, including Dalen and Gole and the Graphic Guide Adventures series. While he grew up with a love of illustrative storytelling, Capilano College's Commercial Animation Program helped Mike fine-tune his drawing skills and imagination. Mike and his family live on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
9 to 12
Grade:
4 to 7
Reading age:
9 to 12
Awards
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
  • , Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Diamond Willow
Editorial Reviews

"Good explanations of some rather complex political concepts are woven into the story line, informing readers on topics such as the origins of democracy, the political spectrum, and civil disobedience. It's a slim book, but there is a lot packed into each page. The cartoon artwork is detailed yet clear, with colorful panels that nicely break up the text and action...A welcome counter to the superhero and fantasy tales that dominate the genre."

— School Library Journal

"Young readers will get a lesson on democracy as well as enjoying a good story."

— BookLinx

"A good introduction to many political topics, and lays them out clearly and concisely...For fans of the series this is a good pick."

— Resource Links

"An enjoyable story with educational value, this strong mystery is presented along with information about world politics, power, and the benefits of political protest for social good."

— Booklist

"Another educational thriller in graphic mode...The illustrations are rich in detail and chromatic with atmosphere...[and] there is also an enjoyable level of suspense...The point is well made: Democracy is imperfect but self-righting in its course."

— Kirkus Reviews

"The partnership of O'Donnell and Deas continues to excel at explaining complex ideas in a simplified manner and at an appropriate level for students to understand...Power Play has all the characteristics...[of] an excellent story; a strong author and illustrator, it is part of a successful series, has known characters, it contains an interesting mystery, and it is full political intrigue."

— CM Magazine

"A fun mystery in comic form that manages to address issues about politics, power, and speaking up for a good cause. The appealing cover and colorful illustrations are likely to pull students in while also throwing in important and educational political information."

— Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

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