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MESH Professional Reviews 2024-2025
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2024-2025 MESH Professional Reviews

The seventh most important thing

by Pearsall, Shelley
From the publisher: Age 10
From Booklist: Grades 5-8; Kirkus: Ages 10-14; SLJ: Gr 4-7

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Full-Text Reviews
Booklist starred (August 2015 (Vol. 111, No. 22))

Grades 5-8. Pearsall’s latest historical novel, set around the time of JFK’s assassination, shifts its focus away from the familiar topics, instead focusing inward on the main character’s redemption. When Arthur T. Owens hurls a brick at the local trash picker, James Hampton, whom he spies wearing his recently deceased father’s hat, he receives a most unusual sentence: 120 hours of community service with the Junk Man himself. Toting Hampton’s list of the seven most important things, Arthur reluctantly scavenges, unsure of the purpose of wood, lightbulbs, coffee cans, foil, mirrors, glass bottles, and cardboard, until he discovers what James does with them. In the garage is the Junk Man’s shiny, thronelike masterpiece, which he calls The Throne of the Third Heaven. Readers will be moved by Arthur’s growth, as he forms an attachment to the man to whom he initially gave so little thought, as well as by his dedication to saving the folk artist’s prized work after his death. Though fictionalized, Pearsall shines a light on Hampton, an amazing, lesser-known artist whose pieces are housed in the Smithsonian Museum, with an author’s note detailing the true story. A moving exploration of how there is often so much more than meets the eye.

Kirkus Reviews starred (July 1, 2015)

Traumatized by his father's recent death, a boy throws a brick at an old man who collects junk in his neighborhood and winds up on probation working for him.Pearsall bases the book on a famed real work of folk art, the Throne of the Third Heaven, by James Hampton, a janitor who built his work in a garage in Washington, D.C., from bits of light bulbs, foil, mirrors, wood, bottles, coffee cans, and cardboard--the titular seven most important things. In late 1963, 13-year-old Arthur finds himself looking for junk for Mr. Hampton, who needs help with his artistic masterpiece, begun during World War II. The book focuses on redemption rather than art, as Hampton forgives the fictional Arthur for his crime, getting the boy to participate in his work at first reluctantly, later with love. Arthur struggles with his anger over his father's death and his mother's new boyfriend. Readers watch as Arthur transfers much of his love for his father to Mr. Hampton and accepts responsibility for saving the art when it becomes endangered. Written in a homespun style that reflects the simple components of the artwork, the story guides readers along with Arthur to an understanding of the most important things in life. Luminescent, just like the artwork it celebrates. (Historical fiction. 10-14)

Troublemaker

by Cho, John

Reading Level: 4.3
From the publisher: Grades 3-7; Ages 8-12
From Booklist: Grades 5-8; Kirkus: Ages 9-13; SLJ: Gr 5-Up
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Booklist (June 1, 2022 (Online))

Grades 5-8. Jordan is the titular troublemaker—or is he? The child of Korean immigrants, he's just been suspended from school for cheating as he tries to dig himself out of an academic hole. He knows he's a disappointment to his hardworking parents, who own a store in South Central Los Angeles. Then he sees a way to reconnect with his father: riots in the wake of the 1992 Rodney King decision threaten the store where his Dad has gone alone to board windows, and Jordan thinks if he brings dad the gun he knows is hidden in their home closet, he'll show his loyalty. This decision leads to a cross-city adventure filled with danger, fortuitous encounters with Angelinos of all ethnicities, secrets revealed, and an awareness of how the gun is a heavy burden. Readers drawn to action will revel in close calls and high emotions generated by Jordan's conflicts with family and friends, but they will also end satisfied that the smoky violence is mostly avoided as Jordan learns why his father has decided against carrying a gun.

Kirkus Reviews (March 15, 2022)

Noted actor Cho and co-author Suk share the journey of a Korean American sixth grader struggling with feeling inadequate. It’s 1992 in Glendale, California, and Jordan’s life is coming apart: He’s been suspended from school for cheating. He’s banned from seeing Mike, his impulsive church friend. Sarah, his adored older sister, is always busy—and so perfect that he looks even more disappointing by comparison. Appa and Umma, burdened with financial worries, are constantly working at their liquor store. Jordan’s family immigrated 9 years earlier, but the bright American future they sacrificed so much for seems questionable. Now people are erupting in protest over the unjust Rodney King verdict and tragic killing of Latasha Harlins by a Korean shop owner. Driven by deep emotional pain and a desire to prove himself to Appa, Jordan sneaks out with Mike—and the gun his father’s forbidden him to touch. As violence spreads toward Koreatown, he tries to deliver it as protection for Appa, who’s boarding up the store. This ill-conceived plan goes awry, and during the fraught evening the boys learn about integrity, bias, and more. The realistically middle-grade voice, strong characterization, and well-paced storyline show the growth of a boy who is moving from limited awareness to a mature perspective on his place in his family and broader community. The novel weaves together large-scale issues of social injustice and interracial barriers with the intimate pain—and joy—of personal relationships. Equal parts suspenseful and emotionally insightful. (author’s note) (Fiction. 9-13)

Flipped

by Van Draanen, Wendelin
Dewey: -Fic-; Audience: Middle School; Reading Level: 5.9
AR 4.8
From Booklist: Grades 5-8; PW: Ages 10-14; SLJ: Gr 6-10
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Book Report (March/April 2002)

Wendelin Van Draanen has taken a break from her Sammy Keyes mysteries to give us the alternating voices of two preteens, Bryce and Juli. From the time Bryce moves into the neighborhood, Juli knows there is no one else but Bryce for her. Bryce cannot stand Juli and thinks she is weird. As they grow older, their feelings don't change until junior high. Bryce can't seem to get Juli off of his mind. Juli isn't sure her first love is as perfect as she once thought. As we read each one's thoughts and views of the same situation, we learn more about them and their families. Of all the family members, Bryce's grandfather, Chet, is the most affective. He helps Juli clean up her family's messy yard, as well as giving Bryce insight into his feelings for Juli. Both benefit from Chet's help and learn to look beyond the surface of people. Middle school students will really enjoy this book and will easily identify with either Bryce or Juli. This is a wonderful, light-hearted novel.

Booklist (December 15, 2001 (Vol. 98, No. 8))

Gr. 5-8. The author of the popular Sammy Keyes mysteries proves herself just as good at writing a charming romance. From the moment seven-year-old Bryce moves into the neighborhood, Julianna is enthralled: "It's his eyes . . . they're dazzling."Bryce, on the other hand, is horrified. In typical second-grade boy fashion, he believes that "All I've ever wanted is for Juli Baker to leave me alone."Six years later, however, the two have flipped: now Bryce is enthralled with Juli's uniqueness, and Juli is repulsed by Bryce's selfish immaturity. Told in alternate chapters from each teen's perspective, this is a wry character study, a romance with substance and subtlety. Juli gradually learns the painful lesson that she must look beyond gorgeous eyes and popularity. Bryce slowly realizes his grandfather's wisdom: "Every once in a while you'll find someone iridescent, and when you do, nothing will ever compare."Both teens realize that standing up for what--and whom--they believe can be a difficult challenge, one faced best with true friends and close family.

Violets are blue

by Dee, Barbara
Dewey: -Fic-; Audience: Middle School; Reading Level: 4.6
AR 4.4
From the publisher: Grades 4-8; Ages 9-13
From Booklist: Grades 4-7; Kirkus: Ages 10-13; PW: Ages 9-13; SLJ: Gr 4-8
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Full-Text Reviews

Booklist (August 2021 (Vol. 117, No. 22))

Grades 4-7. In this story for young teens struggling to find themselves, readers enter the jumbled world of Wren—a girl whose father recently left and is now expecting twins with his new partner, whose nurse mother is behaving increasingly strangely, and who is, herself, trying as best as she can to give voice to her feelings and ideas. Wren is not great at cultivating friendships, but she’s developing a real talent for creating visual transformations using makeup. Behind the colorful layers she applies, she doesn’t feel inadequate or “unfriendable,” and when the opportunity arises, she throws herself into doing makeup for the school play. Meanwhile her mother’s behavior becomes more erratic, with the ultimate reveal that she’s addicted to painkillers. As her mother heals and her own self-understanding deepens, Wren relies on the help of family and new friends to move toward a fresh start. Dee (My Life in the Fish Tank, 2020) again successfully tackles tough topics, making them relatable for middle-grade readers.

Kirkus Reviews (August 15, 2021)

Wren and her recently divorced mom have moved into a new community near Chicago, and things are not going well. Wren has made a new friend, Poppy, and found a new interest—learning about makeup by following Cat FX’s YouTube tutorials. But her mom always seems tired, even for an ER nurse, to the point where 12-year-old Wren can sense something is wrong, although it takes her quite a while to figure out what it is exactly. In the meantime, Wren, steady and dependable, succeeds in keeping up with her schoolwork and practicing her new hobby, with some help from her dad and his new wife, far away in Brooklyn. Still, her mom’s growing problems lurk in the background of everyday life. Luckily for readers and Wren, her passion for her art, the encouraging voice of Cat FX, and the chance to do the makeup for the school performance of Wicked keep her going. Wren makes great efforts to show her unhappy mom that she continues to love her and doesn’t favor her dad’s new family and their lifestyle, free of financial worries. She also navigates new relationships at school, learning to reassess some of her first impressions. Wren’s problems and her pluck will keep readers interested in this sincere story about starting over. (Fiction. 10-13)

New kid

by Craft, Jerry
Dewey: 741.5; Audience: Middle School; Reading Level: 3.6
AR 2.9 MG 2 500606EN
From the publisher: Grades 3-7; Ages 8-12
From Booklist: Grades 4-7; Kirkus: Ages 10-14; PW: Ages 8-12; SLJ: Gr 4-7
Product
Reading Level: 3.6

Reviews & Awards
Full-Text Reviews
Booklist starred (November 15, 2018 (Vol. 115, No. 6))

Grades 4-7. Don’t let the title fool you. Seventh-grader Jordan Banks may be the new kid at his upper-crust private school, but this remarkably honest and accessible story is not just about being new; it's unabashedly about race. Example after uncomfortable example hits the mark: casual assumptions about black students’ families and financial status, black students being mistaken for one another, well-intentioned teachers awkwardly stumbling over language, competition over skin tones among the black students themselves. Yet it’s clear that everyone has a burden to bear, from the weird girl to the blond boy who lives in a mansion, and, indeed, Jordan only learns to navigate his new world by not falling back on his own assumptions. Craft’s easy-going art and ingenious use of visual metaphor loosen things up considerably, and excerpts from Jordan’s sketch book provide several funny, poignant, and insightful asides. It helps keep things light and approachable even as Jordan’s parents tussle over the question of what’s best for their son—to follow the world’s harsh rules so he can fit in or try to pave his own difficult road. A few climactic moments of resolution feel a touch too pat, but Craft’s voice rings urgent and empathetic. Speaking up about the unrepresented experience of so many students makes this a necessary book, particularly for this age group. Possibly one of the most important graphic novels of the year.

School Library Journal (November 1, 2018)

Gr 4-7-Jordan Banks is anxious about being the new kid at Riverdale, especially since he'd rather be going to art school. He's even more nervous when he realizes that, unlike in his Washington Heights neighborhood, at Riverdale, he's one of the few kids of color. Despite some setbacks, Jordan eventually makes a few friends and chronicles his experiences in his sketch pad. This is more than a story about being the new kid-it's a complex examination of the micro- and macroaggressions that Jordan endures from classmates and teachers. He is regularly mistaken for the other black kids at school. A teacher calls another black student by the wrong name and singles him out during discussions on financial aid. Even Jordan's supportive parents don't always understand the extent of the racism he faces. This book opens doors for additional discussion. Craft's illustrations are at their best during the vibrant full-page spreads. The art loses a bit of detail during crowd scenes, but the characters' emotions are always well conveyed. Jordan's black-and-white notebook drawings are the highlight of this work, combining effective social commentary with the protagonist's humorous voice. VERDICT Highly recommended for all middle grade shelves.-Gretchen Hardin, Sterling Municipal Library, Baytown, TX © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Born behind bars 

by Venkatraman, Padma
Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 4.5
AR 4.5 MG 5 514294EN
From the publisher: Grades 5-9; Ages 10-14
From Booklist: Grades 4-7; Kirkus: Ages 8-12; PW: Ages 10-up; SLJ: Gr 5-8
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Booklist starred (September 1, 2021 (Vol. 118, No. 1))

Grades 4-7. Nine-year-old Kabir has only known a life limited by Indian prison walls. His mother, incarcerated for a crime she didn’t commit, gave birth in confinement and has raised him with the help of other inmates—his “Aunties”—and an encouraging teacher. Kabir longs for life beyond that narrow, grim world, but when he suddenly finds himself cast out by the new prison warden, he has no idea how to navigate the noisy, bustling city around him. After nearly being sold into servitude by an unscrupulous guardian, Kabir goes on the run. Rani, a more experienced homeless child, generously takes him under her (and her parrot’s) wing. Remaining hopeful through it all, an indefatigable Kabir decides to seek out his father’s relatives, despite scant details to go on. Rani is willing to humor him, and the pair sets off to find his kin and figure out a way to free Kabir’s mother. Through Kabir’s observant eyes, Venkatraman (The Bridge Home, 2019) thoughtfully and gently explores a troubled justice system, interstate conflicts over increasingly common water shortages, and a frustrating caste system. It’s a difficult world, but there are plenty of kindnesses and minor miracles to soften the rough edges. An optimistic and earnest tale of the power of hope and the gift of family in all forms.

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2021)

Born in prison in Chennai, India, to a Hindu mother falsely accused of stealing from her employer, Kabir has known only a harsh life behind bars. Upon his ninth birthday, he is released to the outside world. He wants nothing more than to find his Appa's (father's) family in the neighboring state of Bengaluru (Bangalore). All Kabir knows of his father is that he is Muslim; Appa didn't tell anyone of his marriage to Amma; and he stopped writing to them after he left India to work in the Gulf. When Kabir befriends Rani, a Kurava (Roma) girl, they team up to find Kabir's paternal grandparents, and the pace of the plot quickens. Short chapters and paragraphs guide the story to its bittersweet conclusion for both Rani and Kabir. As in The Bridge Home (rev. 1/19), Venkatraman portrays children's experiences of poverty and other social issues; here, she explores Hindu-Muslim animosity, how the Indian caste system predetermines social status, and how biased institutions interact with (and ultimately fail) those of lower caste. This earnest, heartfelt adventure will transport many readers to a different setting while guiding them to draw parallels with contexts closer to home. An author's note addresses the Roma community in India, water shortages, and incarceration rates in relation to caste.

Starfish

by Fipps, Lisa

Audience: Middle School; Reading Level: 4.7
AR 4.1 MG 4 510597EN
From the publisher: Age 10
From Booklist: Grades 5-8; Kirkus: Ages 9-13; PW: Ages 10-up; SLJ: Gr 5-8
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Booklist starred (December 1, 2020 (Vol. 117, No. 7))

Grades 5-8. Ellie is doing her best, but it never seems to be enough: not for her mom, who insists Ellie’s weight is something to be fixed; not for her peers, who taunt her with unimaginably cruel words; and not even for herself. She doesn’t mind being fat, but she does mind how she’s treated for it. Now, as the threat of bariatric surgery grows, Ellie must find it within herself to stand up to the ones who pushed her to create the Fat Girl Rules—including herself. Fipps bursts onto the middle-grade scene with her debut, a verse novel that shines because of Ellie’s keen and emotionally striking observations. As she draws readers in with her smart and succinct voice, Ellie navigates the difficult map of knowing she deserves better treatment while struggling with the conflict that's necessary to achieve it. Fipps hands her young narrator several difficult life lessons, including how to self-advocate, how not to internalization of the words of others, and what it means to defend yourself. Ellie's story will delight readers who long to see an impassioned young woman seize an unapologetic victory.

Horn Book Magazine (May/June, 2021)

Since she was five, Ellie (now eleven) has lived by a list of Fat Girl Rules: "Make yourself small"; "Move slowly so / your fat doesn't jiggle"; "When you hear laughter, / someone's laughing at you." She only feels comfortable in her body when she's swimming or spending time with her dog or her similarly fat best friend, Viv. But when Viv moves away, Ellie is alone in facing the sixth-grade bullies, who call her a whale, slam doors in her face, and -- horrifyingly -- loosen the screws on her desk so it collapses. It's not much better outside of school, where strangers make rude comments, or at home, where her mother posts dieting articles on the fridge and even takes her to see a bariatric surgeon without her consent. (If it all seems too cruel to be realistic, an author's note explains that these experiences are based on Fipps's own.) Luckily, Ellie has the support of her dad, a new friend, and an understanding therapist who teaches her to stand up for herself. Ellie's simple and powerful free-verse poems intensify her emotional turmoil and smoothly destroy stereotypes ("They think I'm unhappy / because I'm fat. / The truth is, / I'm unhappy because / they bully me / about being fat"). Her strength in accepting herself and learning to defy her Fat Girl Rules is an inspiring reminder to all readers that they deserve to "take up space." Rachel L. Smith May/June 2021 p.133

What was the Great Depression?

by Pascal, Janet B; illustrated by Putra, Dede
Dewey: 973.91; Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 4.9
AR 5.5
From the publisher: Grades 3-7; Ages 8-12
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Product Overview
From Follett

Includes bibliographical references (page 108).;What was the Great Depression? -- Time to have fun -- The bubble bursts -- The banks fail -- Hoovervilles and hobos -- Losing the farm -- Roosevelt to the rescue -- Big changes -- The Dust Bowl -- More big changes -- War! -- The power of the president -- Timelines. Presents a collection of facts that looks at the Great Depression in the United States.

Who was Anne Frank?

by Abramson, Ann
Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 4.6
AR 4.6 MG 1 112619EN
From the publisher: Grades 3-7; Ages 8-12
Product Overview
From Follett

Includes bibliographical references (page 102-103).;Who was Anne Frank? -- A happy home -- A new home -- Another World War -- Occupied! -- Yellow stars -- Kitty -- The secret annex -- Caught! -- Dream comes true. Tells the life story of Anne Frank, the Dutch Jewish girl whose diary chronicling her years in hiding from the Nazis became beloved the world over after her death, and includes a chronology and bibliography.

What was Hurricane Katrina?

by Koontz, Robin; illustrated by Hinderliter, John
Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 6.5
AR 5.9 MG 1 176427EN
From the publisher: Grades 3-7; Ages 8-12
Product Overview
From Follett

Includes bibliographical references (page 108). Presents an accounting of Hurricane Katrina from start to finish, including rescue efforts and survivor stories.


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Brown girl dreaming

by Woodson, Jacqueline
Dewey: 811; Audience: Middle School; Reading Level: 5.3
From the publisher: Age 10
From Booklist: Grades 5-8; Kirkus: Ages 8-12; PW: Ages 10-up; SLJ: Gr 4-7
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Full-Text Reviews
Booklist starred (August 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 22))

Grades 5-8. What is this book about? In an appended author’s note, Woodson says it best: “my past, my people, my memories, my story.” The resulting memoir in verse is a marvel, as it turns deeply felt remembrances of Woodson’s preadolescent life into art, through memories of her homes in Ohio, South Carolina, and, finally, New York City, and of her friends and family. Small things—ice cream from the candy store, her grandfather’s garden, fireflies in jelly jars—become large as she recalls them and translates them into words. She gives context to her life as she writes about racial discrimination, the civil rights movement, and, later, Black Power. But her focus is always on her family. Her earliest years are spent in Ohio, but after her parents separate, her mother moves her children to South Carolina to live with Woodson’s beloved grandparents, and then to New York City, a place, Woodson recalls, “of gray rock, cold and treeless as a bad dream.” But in time it, too, becomes home; she makes a best friend, Maria, and begins to dream of becoming a writer when she gets her first composition notebook and then discovers she has a talent for telling stories. Her mother cautions her not to write about her family, but, happily, many years later she has—and the result is both elegant and eloquent, a haunting book about memory that is itself altogether memorable.

Taken from the Hardcover.

Understanding the news (Fact Finders: Cracking The Media Literacy Code)

by Dell, Pamela
Dewey: 302.23; Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 5.7
AR 5.7 MG
From the publisher: Grades 3-6; Ages 8-10
From SLJ: Gr 3-6
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From the Publisher

It is more and more apparent that it is hard to tell the difference between real and fake news. If teachers flunk tests about it, how can they teach their students to understand what's what? Fake and real news items are thrown at us daily, on tv, on the internet, on the streets of our cities; everywhere we look and even when we don't think we're looking. Easy-to-understand text, simple infographics, quizzes, and lots of examples helps kids learn how to crack the code of real vs. fake news.

Understanding social media (Fact Finders: Cracking The Media Literacy Code)

by Dell, Pamela
Dewey: 302.23; Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 5.8
From the publisher: Grades 3-6; Ages 8-10
From SLJ: Gr 3-6
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Gr 3-6-In today's world being barraged with media has become the norm; being media literate has therefore become essential for students. Advertising, propaganda, social media, and the news are explored here, both historically and currently, with an emphasis on the effect of modern technology. These topics are presented in a balanced manner. The authors aim to grow children into discerning, media-literate youngsters adept at making informed choices and opinions with their media experiences. To that end, readers are encouraged to think critically and to check the credibility of sources. Coverage is multinational, citing detailed examples from China, Russia, Iraq, and Germany in addition to the United States. The illustrations and formatting have kid appeal. VERDICT A necessary purchase for preparing children to navigate today's media-rich landscape. © Copyright 2018.

Understanding propaganda (Fact Finders: Cracking The Media Literacy Code)

by Micklos, John
Dewey: 303.3; Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 5.9
From the publisher: Grades 3-6; Ages 8-10
From SLJ: Gr 3-6
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Reviews & Awards
School Library Journal (November 1, 2018)

Gr 3-6-In today's world being barraged with media has become the norm; being media literate has therefore become essential for students. Advertising, propaganda, social media, and the news are explored here, both historically and currently, with an emphasis on the effect of modern technology. These topics are presented in a balanced manner. The authors aim to grow children into discerning, media-literate youngsters adept at making informed choices and opinions with their media experiences. To that end, readers are encouraged to think critically and to check the credibility of sources. Coverage is multinational, citing detailed examples from China, Russia, Iraq, and Germany in addition to the United States. The illustrations and formatting have kid appeal. VERDICT A necessary purchase for preparing children to navigate today's media-rich landscape.

Killer underwear invasion! : how to spot fake news, disinformation & lies

by Gravel, Elise
Description: 88 pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm
Dewey: 070.4; Audience: Upper Elementary; Reading Level: 3.8
AR 3.6 MG .5 521207EN
From the publisher: Grades 3-7; Ages 8-12
From Kirkus: Ages 7-10; PW: Ages 8-12; SLJ: Gr 3-Up

Product Overview
From Follett

"In this hilarious, yet fact-filled book, Elise Gravel uses her kid-friendly wit and quirky illustration style to break down what fake news is, why people spread it, and how to tell what is real and what isn't. And that's the truth!"-- Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

A hilarious and timely tool to help kids learn how to tell what news is true and what isn't.

Can peanuts give you super strength? Were unicorns discovered on the moon? Did Martians really invade New Jersey? For anyone who has ever encountered outrageous stories like these and wondered whether they were true, this funny, yet informative book breaks down what fake news is, why people spread it, and how to tell what is true and what isn't. With quirky illustrations and a humorous tone, Elise Gravel brings her kid-accessible wit to the increasingly important subject of media literacy and equips younger readers with the skills needed to interact with global news.

SERIOUSLY FUNNY: While the topic is serious, the funny text and wacky pictures will tickle any reader's funny bone.

IMPORTANT: Misinformation and disinformation are everywhere. It is increasingly important that parents and educators help kids learn how to navigate the confusing, modern media landscape.

JUST THE FACTS!: Rather than tackle specific news stories, this book teaches kids how to research and judge information in order to make their own decisions about what to believe.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR: Whether deciding what products to buy, which organizations to support and what scientific information to believe, being a smart media consumer helps keep ourselves and our communities safer.

Perfect for:


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Reviews & Awards

Full-Text Reviews

Horn Book Magazine (September/October, 2022)

Two jelly bean-shaped creatures, one blue, one pink, delve into the intricacies and duplicity behind one of the most insidious and pervasive issues of our time, and the first chapter of this middle-grade comic dives right in: "What Is Fake News?" Gravel (Arlo & Pips, rev. 1/21) does a fine job breaking down complex ideas, beginning with the definition of news ("information about important stuff that's happening in the world right now") and explaining that while disinformation is not new ("Hear ye, hear ye! An evil magician turned the king into a goat!"), the internet and other modern technologies have made it much easier to make lies look real and to intentionally spread them. The hows and whys are explored using specific, goofy fictional case studies; and people's motives (e.g., "Reason 1: To make money...Reason 2: To make money and get famous," etc.) are plainly laid out. Though the examples aren't necessarily serious, the consequences are: "So far, I have given you a bunch of silly examples of fake news," says the pink protagonist, "but fake news is not funny at all. It can actually be very dangerous." The tone is non-blame-y of consumers (but not purveyors) of fake news, with acknowledgment of the ease of being duped ("Admit it -- you'd be curious, too") and useful advice about thinking critically, examining sources, etc. Well-delineated panel illustrations featuring blobby critters and pastel colors make these thorny concepts relatively easy to get and should leave many readers feeling empowered. Elissa Gershowitz September/October 2022 p.106

Kirkus Reviews (June 15, 2022)

Basic principles for distinguishing facts from alternate facts. Gravel may insist that “fake news is not funny at all,” but with the best will in the world she can’t keep a straight face for long—and readers certainly won’t either. Relying on made-up examples, Gravel explores how a doctored photo can spark widespread fears of scorpions swarming out of toilets, clickbait headlines like “Governor Marries a Turtle” can raise ad revenues for a website or spread the conviction that underwear is dangerous, and a politician’s claim that an opponent pinches puppies can gain more traction through repetition than any denials, no matter how heated. Her cartoon illustrations of googly-eyed jelly beans looking panicked or greasily confident as they spread mis- or disinformation heard on “Wolf News” don’t exactly underscore the seriousness of the topic either. Still, even though in pitting reason against human nature she’s taken on a tall order, her insights into how fake news are fueled by a combination of fear and confirmation bias but can be countered by common sense and by careful evaluation of actual sources are spot-on. And, had she chosen to use real-world examples, at least half of her potential audience (or at least the adult voters) would have shrugged her off as just another liberal whiner. Beneath the goofiness, an earnest call for logic and better judgment. (Graphic nonfiction. 7-10)

Publishers Weekly (October 3, 2022)

In a useful, funny graphic novel guidebook, Gravel (the Arlo & Pips series) offers examples of how disinformation can prove high-stakes, adversely affecting the environment, democracy, and even individuals’ health. But with vigilance, practice, and some self-awareness ("Never forget that you have confirmation biases," Gravel writes, providing an easy-to-grasp explanation of this concept), the book shows how readers can navigate disinformation. In six chapters rendered in the creator’s signature cartoon style, a pink creature tutors a blue one-and readers-in why disinformation is so powerful and how it works, explaining that it preys upon vulnerabilities (one character becomes deathly ill after being convinced that shampoo is a cure-all and "doctors are evil") and offers big economic rewards to those who wield it effectively ("Social media companies want people to stay on their apps because the longer you stay, the more ads you see, and the more ads you click on, the more MONEY the companies make"). A wrap-up includes 10 evaluative tips, from "Check your source" to asking "Is it fact or opinion?" Gravel employs humor and downright goofiness to make this topic feel approachable, profound, and urgent. Ages 8-12. Agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal Xpress (December 16, 2022)

Gr 3 Up-Words matter, and Gravel provides a clever and humorous take on how kids need to look at the ways information and news can be miscommunicated, mismanaged, and mixed-up. The catchy title will get students talking and laughing. Gravel breaks down the truth of what is fake news, how it is given, and why people give it. Her quirky use of words and vibrant art make the information easy to understand for kids, with a cartoonish style that will draw in younger audiences. This topic is a serious one, and it can be emotional for many readers, but Gravel delivers a difficult message in a simplistic way, with humor to help readers understand. She addresses questions like, how do we know we're reading accurate information, and how do we understand what is real and not real? She equips readers with the knowledge to become media literate so they do not misunderstand information that comes from many different points of view. She gives the facts and sticks to them honestly, without bias. VERDICT A humorous, creative take on learning how the media can generate fake news and how to decipher the real from the unreal. This informational graphic work is a must read for students and educators.-Jacquetta Etheridge © Copyright 2022. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.