Fake news has always existed, but "thanks to the internet, disinformation is everywhere these days." Elise Gravel, author of the Disgusting Critters series, takes a break from frightening creatures to offer up serious insights in this zany look at lies, untruths and other misleading reports. The author employs her characteristic humor and art in this comic-style book to enlighten young readers on the realities of fake news and set them on a path to savvy media consumption.
Gravel explores motivations for lying, like money, power and prestige, using humorous scenarios with which her audience can readily identify and understand. She's also careful to point out that while her examples are silly, disinformation is not: "it can actually be VERY DANGEROUS." It feeds on people's fears and reaffirms their biases, a topic Gravel explains with, "We're more likely to believe stories that confirm feelings or beliefs that we already have." Finally, Gravel concludes with sage advice broken down into simple, straightforward steps on how to distinguish real news from fake news.
Gravel's wacky, yet easily recognizable examples--"Let's Gaggle 'underwear can kill you'" or "The Garlic Bulb newspaper"--are entertaining while still delivering a vital message for readers of any age. Her nondescript, nongendered characters emphasize the universality of this destructive phenomenon. Fake news is indiscriminate, but "if you're well informed, you'll be safer, and you can help protect others and the planet." Killer Underwear Invasion! is a powerful resource to have in the never-ending battle against disinformation. --Jen Forbus, freelancer