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. 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. 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.

In these brief, textbook-like overviews of media literacy, coverage is largely anodyne. Still, the topics have become increasingly important, and this series offers a good jumping-off point for upper-elementary students to think critically about what they read and see in the news, advertisements, and on social media. Each text includes well-considered assignments for further research, thought, and discussion. Reading list. Glos., ind.