Mark: Reasoning in Social Studies (Philosophy for Children)

The high school has been vandalized, and Mark is arrested at the scene of the crime. When interrogated, Mark claims he is a victim of society. But what exactly does this mean? What is society? What forces hold it together or work to pull it apart? In this novel, Mark and his classmates explore these questions and others about democracy, freedom and justice. In order to determine how well society is able to live up to various ideals, they begin to evaluate social institutions, rules and values. This novel explores issues around the nature of law and crime, tradition, bureaucracy as well as the problems of authority, responsibility and force. Grade Range: 9-12. Target Grades: 11-12