• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7
• Reading age: 8 to 12

An engaging introduction to debating skills that teaches kids how to take a stand - and win!

Kids are used to disagreeing with rules - not that anyone ever listens. But what if there was a way of disagreeing that worked? What if there was a way kids could change adults' minds? Welcome to debating! This book can help kids master exactly how it's done. As two debaters on opposing sides tackle each of five hot-button issues - chores, screen time, eating vegetables, bedtime and doing homework - readers follow along, step-by-step, and learn the ins and outs of doing research, constructing an argument and rebutting an opponent's case. Then, after each debate, readers get to decide which side they're on - and they just might surprise themselves! It turns out, making a smart and logical argument is a perfect formula for getting your way! What kid can resist?

While everyone else tells kids not to argue, award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi says go for it - the right way - in this lively and thought-provoking book. The well-researched content covers the entire debating process: resolution, opening statement, research, rebuttal and closing argument. It also includes key tips about debating and public speaking, choosing terminology, the importance of deep listening and how to select quality sources. Skills taught - critical thinking, research, media literacy, constructing a persuasive argument - link directly to the social studies inquiry process. Colorful, eye-catching art on every page by Chanelle Nibbelink features a diverse cast of characters and adds visual appeal.

Tanya Lloyd Kyi claims to be a peaceful and non-threatening person, despite having written three books about fire and one about poison. She has never set a building aflame, handled dynamite, or intentionally poisoned anyone … although a suspicious number of friends did have stomachaches after eating her Christmas party meatballs one year.Tanya writes both fiction and non-fiction, often choosing topics related to science, pop culture, or social history—or a combination of the three. She enjoys combining factual research with intriguing narratives, or the life stories of interesting folks.Tanya began her writing “career” as a poet in high school, producing pages and pages of really bad poems that her mother adored. Her love of writing led to the University of Victoria, where she took creative writing and English. Tanya’s early writing jobs were as a newspaper reporter and brochure writer for the government. She also worked as a dishwasher, busgi

Tanya Lloyd Kyi's profile page

Chanelle Nibbelink is a Canadian American illustrator from California, currently based in Utah. She has an Honors Bachelor of Illustration from Sheridan College. When she's not drawing, Chanelle can be spotted rollerblading, practicing yoga, playing ukulele or falling asleep to a book. Chantelle lives in Draper, Utah.

Chanelle Nibbelink's profile page

• Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, Hackmatack

This useful resource encourages active listening and respectful discourse, valuable skill sets at any age.

Booklist

... provides an introduction to debating skills for students ... [and] also highlights listening and speaking skills, the importance of researching a topic and critical thinking.

CM Magazine

This book provides a needed skill in a fun way to older elementary readers.—Children's Literature

... a rousing introduction to the art of debate and offers a crash course in critical thinking.

Quill & Quire

... a rousing introduction to the art of debate and offers a crash course in critical thinking.—Quill & Quire

Alongside Drew Shannon's colourful illustrations [Lloyd Kyi] encapsulates key sociological and scientific research on racism and stereotyping.—New York Times (Praise for This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes)

This book provides a needed skill in a fun way to older elementary readers.

Children's Literature