• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

The news can inform and inspire, but it can also misinform and mislead.

Becoming a savvy news consumer is more important than ever as people are spending an increasing amount of time on the internet and social media, where they're exposed to fake news and clickbait. And as major news events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have shown us, the global spread of misinformation and disinformation puts lives at risk and accurate and reliable information can save lives.

Breaking News: Why Media Matters helps kids become critical news consumers and teaches them how to tell fact from fiction. It explores the history of the media industry, the important roles the news plays today and the challenges it faces, and it gives kids the tools they need to find the news they can use.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Raina Delisle is an award-winning writer and editor. She worked in journalism for nearly two decades before moving into government communications. Her writing has been featured in Today’s Parent, Chatelaine, CBC and the Globe and Mail. Her first book, Fashion Forward: Striving for Sustainable Style, was published in 2022. Raina lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Raina Delisle's profile page

Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator whose work includes commissions for editorial, advertising and publishing clients from around the world. Her previous books have been nominated for several awards, and she won the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction for Why We Live Where We Live. She is the illustrator of What Animals Want in the Orca Think series and Pride Puppy! Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Julie McLaughlin's profile page

• Commended, Literacy and Social Responsibility Special Interest Group (ILA LSR SIG) The Social Justice Literature Award - Nonfiction Honor Book
• Winner, City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Solid advice to aspiring reporters, a glossary, and strong resource recommendations complete the picture. A welcome look at how journalists shine a light on the world.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Easily digestible content…This helpful guide is well suited for journalism lessons and will foster a necessary understanding of the power of information and news as well as how to responsibly engage with it.”

Booklist

“Anyone who loves to learn, and is fascinated with the concept of possibly going out and finding entertaining and informative stories should read this book…A great way to understand the workings of our newspapers, and radio and television broadcasting.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Engaging and important…Covers [subjects] with care and insight.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“A noteworthy addition to the Orca Think series…Through exploring the history of journalism, why media matters, and how to be a critical consumer of media, readers will leave this book with an understanding of the importance of journalism…highly recommended for public and school library collections.”

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

“An engaging book on the media and why it is important. Will provide a good introduction for anyone interested in the media and ideas and resources for readers who want to go further and get involved in the media. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials