Review: Breaking News: Why Media Matters

“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.