Subjects Grant explores in his book are the moral dilemmas and corruptions within an administration. Specifically, does doing the wrong thing, for the right reasons, make it the right thing to do? It's almost... comical, in a grotesque way, the way lies, deceptions and personal gain enter into an adolescent "government," much the same way it enters into real world governments. Not even 15 year old children can escape the temptations to compromise their principles, and justify their compromises by human reasoning. Good material - kept me committed to the story. 
 It was interesting to watch (in this book and its immediate predecessor, "Hunger,") the development of money, businesses and a regime. The book provided a simple model for teenagers to understand currency, economics and the workings of a local government. I was hoping Grant would address taxes as well. How else were the fire department, militia and council being paid for :-P 
 I strongly recommend parents read this book first before they give it to their children. There is some material that parents may or may not find appropriate for their teenagers. Do not just read the first book in the series and judge the rest of the books from there. Each book is different.