The Best Way to Get Your Way (-) by Chanelle Nibbelink, Tanya Lloyd Kyi
ISBN: 1525305484
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

In The Best Way to Get Your Way, author Tanya Lloyd Kyi introduces readers to the debate process as she explores 5 common issues kids are familiar with, including eating vegetables and doing homework. Kyi follows the debate format and illustrates how it works by presenting both sides of the issue, from opening arguments and rebuttals to closing arguments. She uses various techniques to present each side and explains why the technique is used and whether or not it makes for a strong argument. At the end of each topic, she leaves it up to readers to decide which side they agree with. She introduces readers to new vocabulary such as rebuttal and bias and all new terms can also be found in the glossary. The back of the book also includes an index and a list of selected sources, reinforcing the importance of research to an effective debate. This book might look like a resource for kids to learn how to get out of doing chores, but really it’s about improving a child’s critical thinking and presentation skills in a fun way. The book is well organized and easy to follow and the colorful and inclusive graphics are engaging without being distracting. This nonfiction book would be great for 3-5th graders, especially those who are part of a debate team or who are ready to learn how to make thoughtful and effective arguments.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library