Micronations: Invent Your Own Country and Culture    by Kathy Ceceri & Chad Thompson Order:  USA  Can Nomad, 2014 (2014) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch This book offers a creative way to teach older children how governments function and why geography, civics and economics are important. The 25 hands-on projects and activities in this volume show the reader how to create authentic looking maps, currency, passports, and even a constitution. The step-by-step plan allows the youngster to create his or her own fictional country. From law and order systems to infrastructure and creating a national identity, these units emphasize that the smooth operation of a country is not a haphazard thing. Students will learn about different forms of government (republic, commonwealth, principality, etc.) and how governments raise money (taxes, fees, licenses, etc.). Throughout the book you'll find key vocabulary words and fascinating facts about various countries. For example, noodles were invented in China, not Italy, and the Canadian province of Alberta adopted a mace used by the legislature which was made of iron, a plumbing pipe and pieces of a brass bed. Created in 1906, it was used for fifty years. The activities range from writing a code of laws and making a flag for your country to creating a monetary system. Educators will find this a very useful guide for creating some fun and informative units on civics and related subjects. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews