How to Distinguish Fact from Opinion: ISBN 978-1-6782-0978-0 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0971-1
How to Evaluate Sources of Information: ISBN 978-1-6782-0974-2 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0975-9
How to Identify False Information: ISBN 978-1-6782-0972-8 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0973-5
How to Identify Media Bias: ISBN 978-1-6782-0970-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0971-1
How to Identify Online Scams and Predators: ISBN 978-1-6782-0976-6 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0977-3
School Library Journal, Series Made Simple supplement, April 1, 2025
Gr 6 Up–Important skills for the digital age are simply explained in this series which covers a variety of media literacy skills, for a teen audience. Each book begins with a real-life example of the media literacy concept, ripped from the headlines. There is a historical overview on each topic, and a discussion on how the rise of the internet and especially social media has changed how information is shared. A librarian or English Language Arts teacher could easily integrate some of the content of these books into their media literacy instruction, although at 64 pages each, this collection is nearly textbook length. Described as hi-lo YA, this book is appropriate for upper middle to high school students and is written at approximately a sixth grade level. VERDICT A good supplement for hi-lo readers learning media literacy skills.
How to Identify Media Bias: ISBN 978-1-6782-0970-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0971-1
Booklist, April 1, 2025
Starred Review.
In today’s digital world, separating fact from opinion is harder than ever, which is why this entry in the Learn Media Literacy Skills series (5 titles) is a must-read for young adults and students. This book guides readers in how to spot bias in news, from misleading headlines to selective storytelling. Ventura explores common challenges, such as how misinformation spreads rapidly and how social-media algorithms amplify certain viewpoints. She explains confirmation bias and teaches readers to question sources, compare perspectives, and recognize when news is framed to fit an agenda. What makes this book stand out is its illuminating real-world examples, which clearly demonstrate the concepts being presented. Additionally, the high/low format uses accessible writing that makes the subject of media literacy feel like a worthwhile pursuit. In an era of clickbait and viral misinformation, this book is a valuable tool for those who want to be smart, informed consumers of media in today’s technologically advanced world. Source notes, a list of fact-checking websites, and resources for further research round out this important title.
— Aurora Dominguez