I really enjoyed this book, the illustrations and formatting are eye-catching. The information is well written, and important for kids to know. I bought this book and added it to my Library right away, I already have Teachers excited to use it in their lessons next year.

Breaking News: Why Media Matters by Raina Delisle and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin (Orca Books, May 2023) is an important nonfiction picture book for middle grade and young adult readers about the impact of media on our world today. With a visually appealing layout, real examples of kid reporters, and a mix of kid-friendly illustrations and photographs, Break News teaches media literacy to children in a world that desperately needs media literacy and common senses media discernment.

The chapters cover the history of media through time, why media makes a difference to individuals and communities, where news comes from (and what that means!), why there are issues in the press and confidence in news organization is waning, and what the reader can do, even as a teenager, to have an impact on the media around them. Wow, there is so much good stuff here! The overall impression from Breaking News is that media literacy and involvement is an important issue. Within these chapters are further break downs on issues such as “seeing is believing” (issues in a time of photoshop, etc.), how those telling the news are biased depending on who is represented in telling the news, why there are issues with “fake news” (including discussions of “echo chambers” of ideas), and how we can tell truth from fiction.

As I mentioned, the book is very visually appealing, and middle-grade and teen readers may enjoy reading straight through (which is what I did). Or, Breaking News could be a great research tool for anyone interested in the history of media, biases in news, and what we can all do to help. A glossary, list of resources, and index make it an ideal book for these needs. Kids who are interested in going into any type of media field (YouTube videos, graphic design, journalism, news reporting, etc.) will find something of value in Breaking News, as will any consumer of media (that’s everyone!).

I read a digital review copy of Breaking News.

This is a great book for students of all ages. Media literacy is important for schooling and consuming news and other online materials. This is a great book with bright colors, illustrations and a variety of materials to teach students about how to use online materials in a smart way.

What a great book to introduce middle grade/teen audiences to media literacy and journalism! Audience-appropriate but still incredibly informative, perfect balance of text and graphics. This would be a great addition to a classroom or school library..

Loved this one! I think this will be a fantastic addition to our middle grade libraries, especially with an upcoming project we are planning centering the use of media in our society. I love easy to follow, yet thorough text. I also loved the illustrations - diverse representation included!

“Breaking News: Why Media Matters” by Raina Delisle is an excellent introduction to media literacy for middle grade and early teen students. The book provides a brief history of Western journalism and specific steps to take to analyze the deluge of information we get every day. There is an emphasis on journalism’s watchdog function in modern society and ideas for students to get involved. The book has multiple specific (and current) examples from Canada and the United States.

Lots of white space on the pages, good use of color, and a multitude of sidebars make for a strong design. The sidebars provide examples of young people involved in journalism or give extra details about the topic of the chapter. The text is easy to understand, but does not talk down to students. Julie McLaughlin’s illustrations add interest and bring home the point of the necessity of diversity in modern newsrooms.

This book is great for those interested in media literacy, journalism history, and media activism. It would be a great addition to the classroom library. I would expect “Breaking News” would get students fired up about media literacy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

“Breaking News: Why Media Matters” will be available in mid-May.