Media Literacy
The importance of media literacy cannot be overstated. In our fast-paced world, social media, computers, and phones keep us constantly connected to each other. That’s why it’s so important to help our children understand the different kinds of media they interact with each day, and how to do so safely.
The books below help readers develop their media literacy skills. They expose young readers to concepts, including:
Facts vs. opinions
Social media vs. news sources
How to ask questions about information coming from advertisements
Understanding the broader context in which advertising and political messages are presented.
I hope you enjoy the books I recommend, and that they’re useful. I only recommend books that I love and find helpful. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Picture Books - Ages 3+
Screen Time is Not Forever - With simple, minimal text, and colorful pictures, this books is the perfect into to screen time limits for young readers. With reminders to unplug and enjoy screen-free time with family and friends, plus helpful tips for parents and caregivers, this title is a must-read for every family.
Picture Books - Ages 5+
Be Smart About Screen Time Stay Grounded, Set Boundaries, and Keep Safe Online - This essential guide helps kids navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Through fun comics and illustrations, it teaches healthy screen time habits, how to make good choices online, and how to be a good digital citizen. Perfect for any child with a tablet, phone, or computer.
Killer Underwear Invasion!: How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories - I took this book out of the library thinking that I’d read it with my 3rd grader, but my son (who is almost 5) wanted to read it with us. I was pleasantly surprised by how much information he absorbed and seemed to understand. With simple and funny illustrations, this book helps readers understand so many important concepts, including what news is, and how news sources can vary. It also presents examples of reliable vs. unreliable sources and explains the differences between facts and conspiracy theories. There’s so much information in this book, and all of it felt accessible and relatable. This book is somewhat long, so don’t be afraid to read 1 or 2 sections at a time over the course of a few days or a week. This may be especially helpful for younger readers.
Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts - our kids are digital natives. They're constantly bombarded with information, and it can be tough to know what's true. "Can You Believe It?" is a fantastic resource that helps them understand how journalism works, what fake news is, and how to spot it. It’s like a friendly conversation, not a lecture, filled with relatable examples and practical tips. From understanding bias to recognizing influencers, this book covers it all. As parents, we want to give them the tools to be informed and discerning. This book is a wonderful way to start.
What About Digital Tech? - Ever get those "but WHY?" questions about the digital world that leave you stumped? This book is here to save the day! This beautifully illustrated Q&A-style book breaks down complex tech concepts into bite-sized, kid-friendly answers. From the internet's origins to virtual reality, it's perfect for sparking curiosity and connecting with your little tech explorers.
The Brainiac’s Book of The Internet - Ever wonder how the internet actually functions? Author Dr. Larissa Suzuki breaks down the complexities of computers and the online world in this accessible and entertaining book. Packed with illustrations, activities, and online safety tips, it empowers kids to navigate screen time responsibly and make smart choices online.
The World Around Us Series is an incredibly helpful series that belong in every classroom. When tragedy strikes, and emotions run high, it can be challenging to find ways to talk to our children about the world around them. This series gives adults a place to start, and offers kids the tools they need to ask questions and share their feelings.
On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy and On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety are great resources for discussions about digital literacy, online safety, and media literacy.
Ages 8+
The Phone Book: Stay Safe, Be Smart, and Make the World Better with the Powerful Device in Your Hand -With quizzes, choose-your-own adventure style activities, techy tidbits, and stories from real teens/preteens, this book is the ultimate resource. While I genuinely appreciate the sections about cyberbullying and tech addiction, I LOVE the way Jessica Speer teaches readers about media literacy. In a world full of screens that are constantly bombarding us what information, Speer gives readers a peek behind the curtain, helping us understand where this information comes from, why we’re receiving it, and how to contextualize it. This book is a must-read!
Trending: How & Why Stuff Gets Popular - an awesome and engaging book for grades 4-8 that explores how and why trends go viral. With comic-strip illustrations and an upbeat tone, it does a great job of explaining to explain how crazes catch on, and why people join them. It’s an excellent tool for young readers developing critical-thinking skills in today's fast-paced, viral world.
Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets (and Stays) in Our Heads - In a world overflowing with advertisements, how do you help your child navigate the constant messages trying to sway them? This engaging book, is a fantastic resource for parents looking to equip their kids with essential media literacy skills. It's a clever, behind-the-scenes look at how advertising works, from catchy slogans and logos to the psychological tricks marketers use. The book even delves into how digital technology allows companies to track us and what that means for privacy. This book empowers kids to become critical thinkers in an ad-saturated world
