Communism for Kids (Mit Press)

Way back in college, I majored in Russian and after graduating, I worked six months in the USSR as a Russian-speaking guide on an exhibit. All these years, I had considered some of the books written by Soviet authors were the worst I had ever read or would ever read. Novels with stunningly interesting titles like "Blast Furnace" and "Cement" were indeed horrible, tedious, and worthless reads, wholly devoid of anything that could or would ever interest anyone. Then I read this one on a lark. Wow! This book features examples and "explanations" which are based on complete nonsense, even if it's intended for kids. Even they would understand how utterly devoid of any reality or relevance this book is. I would characterize it as having a plethora of issues and a total dearth of any useful ideas or realistic suggestions. Worst of all is the Epilogue which drones on endlessly for 28 pages which, by the way, could not possibly be for "kids." All that it contains is 28 pages of word salad, incomprehensible even to someone who has studied Marxism with all of Marx's "new speak," invented concepts and other irrelevant drivel. This book is an absolute waste of time. Hopefully it will prove a horrendous failure in its intended goal, i.e. of ignoring history and selling a ridiculous, barbaric system of totalitarianism to young people. If there were a "zero" rating, that's what I'd have given it! Worthless.

Brilliant little book that covers capitalism's inherently contradictory and destructive nature and critically evaluates different conceptions of communism, all with simple but not simplistic language. It's a great little introduction, and not just for kids!

While I don't think this book is really meant for kids, it was a thought provoking take on modern communism, or what communism might/could be. Using a metaphor of an iron factory, the author explains several versions of what communism has been described as. While it points out the built in flaws of capitalism, it also critiques what communism has been.Definitely dense at times, and readers will benefit from at least a basic understanding of economic theory. As previously noted, this isn't a children's book, as it would be challenging for most high school age readers (I'd imagine the lexile scores are more college equivalency)

Great for beginners. Hint: it isn't actually for kids, so everyone can't settle down.

Quick, enjoyable read.

I expected something more George Orwell like.

Bought this as a joke gift, it went over well. Not sure if it's serious or not, but it worked for what I needed it to so I'm happy.

great

The illustrations are really good and that's about it.The book's take on what is communism is a very particular theoretical position, which may not appeal to many people even if they identify as left or even communists. That's not the biggest problem with it.The book is divided into two roughly equal parts. The first one, presumably intended for kids, lays out in cartoon metaphors the author's idea of what is capitalism, a few alternatives and what is not communist about them, and finally what the communism would be. This is followed by an epilogue, which explains for the adults what those metaphorical kiddie stories meant.It shows how bad the first part is at being 'for kids' if the author herself realises it needs to be explained again to the adults.

Amazing book. Really interesting.

For the person who A+ed real course on scientific communism, this book is way to simplified. Some important points are missing, making this work like a joke digest on Marx's work only.

If you have kids and you would like to have a left-wing environment for them at your house: bought it!When I read the book I missed more humor and irony, but it is a good book

Poderia ter mais ilustrações, com a finalidade de dar ligeiro humor, tornaria a leitura mais palatável. De qualquer forma gostei pela didática