Fair Trade & Global Economy

Fair Trade & Global Economy and Censorship & Privacy add to an existing series about many of the most important issues of our time. The books in the “Our Values” series cover topics relating to how governments work and how society deals with many of our rights and freedoms as well as responsibilities and obligations of individuals in the community.

As each title indicates, there are two main topics in each book which allow a comparison and a contrasting of concepts in a useful juxtaposition. The ideas that are addressed are significant and complex, and part of the point is to show young people that you cannot take everything at face value and that you must think about what is behind the obvious message. Each book is connected to major curriculum requirements and contains a wealth of information. They also support more general concepts in the syllabus and connect to the other books in the series.

As nonfiction works, their language is clear and suitable for the age level. There is a glossary and index as well as either questions to encourage further thought or activities to directly involve students in the concepts.

Fair Trade & Global Economy begins with a brief definition of economy and then expands to global trading and the concept of fair trade. After that, the two ideas are mixed followed by practical ways to apply the information. Fittingly, the examples used are from around the world, and the photographs also include products, processes and cites from many countries including Canada.

The case study presented in Fair Trade & Global Economy is the economic crisis of 2008. This is understandable as it is the largest recent catastrophic financial event although it is also intricate and hard for many of us to comprehend. The explanations of strong and weak economies are well done as are the pages discussing fair trade and its effects, including the possible problems. The maps of exports of various countries are very welcome.

Economics is a complex topic, one that is difficult for many of us to understand. Although the theories are presented clearly, the information is packed so tightly that it may still be difficult for readers to grasp the ideas in so few words. Still, Fair Trade & Global Economy is a very good introduction to these theories and how they apply in reality.

It seems that both of these books are intended to fill curriculum requirements and do so admirably, if in summary form. Each provides a good introduction to a very complex and important topic. Good additions to any classroom or school library.