Alastair Campbell: Why Politics Matters (Little Experts)

It was not until I was a student in the sixth form in the 1980s that I had formal lessons in politics as part of a general course for all our year group. My school was innovative and forward-looking and such a helpful introduction to politics and the workings of the government was novel at the time. Fast forward to 2024 and here is a book on politics in a series aimed at 8 -10-year-olds and, as Alastair Campbell explains in his dedication at the front of the book, ‘To the children of today, who will be the politicians of tomorrow’ (p. 4).

The author’s passion for his subject shines through these pages, which look in detail at the politics of the UK, and how it affects all of us, every day. Topics covered include ‘What is Parliament?’, which not only explains the House of Commons and the House of Lords but looks at the role of the King and the Prime Minister. Finance, Voting and Local Government are also included, before a few pages about how students can start being active in politics by practicing debating at school and reading the news regularly. I learned quite a lot from this handy guide. The glossary at the end of the volume will be very useful too.

Well done to all involved in producing such a finely written text, illustrated perfectly to engage the young reader in a complicated subject. Politics needs explaining to all citizens at some point and the earlier the better, to encourage our politicians of the future!