The multiple volumes in this series all relate to journalism in some way, shape, or form. Each book covers the basics of each issue, how the issues have evolved over time, and how students can handle or deal with these issues now. Each title does a great job of breaking down each topic into words and concepts that can be easily understood by children, especially those of elementary age. While this might not be a series that young readers would check out from the library for themselves, teachers and librarians will be able to use these volumes to teach different skills related to online behavior. The best part about this series are the “Stop and Think” sections found at the end of each book. They give great conversation starters for group discussion, as well as potential projects that students could work on. Overall, I would highly recommend this series for an elementary school library. Highly Recommended.

These volumes in the News Literacy series provide solid information that will help readers discern what is true and what’s false in the media. Advertising Overload focuses on internet advertising, explaining its evolution and how ads appear in different forms, including product placement; useful terms like cookies, ad blockers, and native advertising get full explanations. The ways that advertisers use your information is also explored. The Fake News Phenomenon begins with an egregious example: the shooting at the Comet Ping Pong pizza parlor, where a young man opened fire after hearing it ran a child sex ring out of its basement. The book then goes on to discuss the long history of fake news and its relevance today, providing many examples and discussing their effect on civic life. How Journalists Work is a straightforward account of the ways reporters do their business and how the profession has been rapidly changing. Uncovering Bias in the News offers important ways readers can learn to detect bias in the news and explains how students can delve deeper into the subject with the help of libraries and fact-checking sites. The colorful format features a mix of stock photos, interesting charts, and informative sidebars as well as critical-thinking prompts and a page of “Fast Facts.” An important resource that will be especially useful in classroom discussions.

The authors thoroughly discuss the news and its value to society, covering historical developments and the effects of technological advancements on the industry. The semantics and ethics involved in journalism and the skills and approaches effective journalists employ to successfully report information are also covered. The detailed discussions on fake news and its predecessors—yellow journalism and propaganda—are timely and will be of great use to educators and students alike. The role and power of social media is also a running theme throughout. Opportunities for critical thinking and writing development abound. A welcome resource to strengthen media literacy skills in upper elementary schoolers.