This book succeeds by treating middle grade readers like professional journalists who can handle the truth about digital manipulation. It uses a detective style approach to expose the secrets of newsrooms and viral misinformation. Books in this family share a direct tone and provide practical survival skills for navigating the complex world of online media.
A parent would reach for this book when they notice their child is starting to spend significant time on social media or questioning the validity of things they hear from peers and online influencers. It serves as a vital shield against the tide of 'fake news' by providing middle grade readers with a toolkit for critical thinking and media literacy. Beyond just identifying lies, the book explores the history of journalism and the ethical responsibility of sharing information. Appropriate for ages 10 to 15, this guide is both empowering and sobering. It addresses the emotional need for truth and fairness in a digital world where information can be weaponized. Parents will appreciate the way it shifts a child from being a passive consumer to an active, skeptical investigator of the digital landscape.
