By Elise Gravel
Chronicle, 2022
88 pages
9781797214917
Ages 8-12
A highly entertaining and informative book offers a comprehensive explanation of disinformation: what it is, why it’s made, how to spot it, and what makes it so dangerous. Written in comics, the information is delivered via colorful, amorphous beings with large, round eyes who ask questions and present scenarios illustrating the concepts they are discussing. For example, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Fmith are mayoral candidates who demonstrate the use of fake news by politicians and the potential impact of such disinformation. Exceptionally clear and accessible, this account is logically organized so that concepts and explanations build on what came before, and the examples clearly illuminate the potential impact of disinformation. For example: A commercial falsely claims that drinking shampoo will “cure every disease,” and anyone who says otherwise (i.e., doctors) is a liar. As a result, some people drink shampoo and get sick, and belief and trust in doctors and science is diminished. This leads to mistrust of science in other fields (climate science, for example) and related harmful decisions. The final chapter provides ten helpful, concrete tips for differentiating between “fake news” and actual news. Astute readers may connect several of the book’s examples with COVID and other real-life events and individuals. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center