"If I could pick one book to hand to every teen—and adult—on earth, this is the one. True or False is accessible, thorough, and searingly honest, and we desperately needed it." —Becky Albertalli, author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
A former CIA analyst unveils the true history of fake news and gives readers tips on how to avoid falling victim to it in this highly designed informative YA nonfiction title.
"Fake news" is a term you've probably heard a lot in the last few years, but it's not a new phenomenon. From the ancient Egyptians to the French Revolution to Jack the Ripper and the founding fathers, fake news has been around as long as human civilization. But that doesn't mean that we should just give up on the idea of finding the truth.
In True or False, former CIA analyst Cindy Otis will take readers through the history and impact of misinformation over the centuries, sharing stories from the past and insights that readers today can gain from them. Then, she shares lessons learned in over a decade working for the CIA, including actionable tips on how to spot fake news, how to make sense of the information we receive each day, and, perhaps most importantly, how to understand and see past our own information biases, so that we can think critically about important issues and put events happening around us into context.
True or False includes a wealth of photo illustrations, informative inserts, and sidebars containing interesting facts and trivia sure to engage readers in critical thinking and analysis.
This title has common core connections.
-
Creators
-
Publisher
-
Release date
August 6, 2024 -
Formats
-
Kindle Book
-
OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781250239501
-
EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781250239501
- File size: 60007 KB
-
-
Languages
- English
-
Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 1180
- Text Difficulty: 8-10
-
Reviews
-
Starred review from May 11, 2020
In an age when many are “basically standing under a showerhead of information all day, every day,” former intelligence analyst Otis provides timely guidance on how to separate fact from fake news. The book’s first section provides context and breadth, reaching back to the reign of Ramses II and the story of Jack the Ripper to underscore the historical use of propaganda and disinformation. But the second half of the book offers the greatest benefit, detailing how digital media has exponentially aided in the promulgation of false narratives and destructive rumors. The author shares many practical tips she learned during the decade she spent working for the CIA—ways to discern a doctored photo, identify clickbait and trusted sources, and double-check outrageous claims. Perhaps most importantly, she cautions readers to check their own biases and think critically rather than outsourcing judgment to their social media feeds. Written in an easy, conversational style matched by a user-friendly design with pullouts, exercises, and photographs, it’s a book that teachers and civic leaders will want to make required reading. Ages 13–up. (July)■ -
Starred review from August 1, 2020
Gr 8 Up-Former CIA analyst Otis has written a necessary and engaging resource that should be required reading for all high school students. The first half of the book outlines the use of fake news and propaganda spread by governments and authority figures throughout history. These informative and entertaining incidents date back over 3,000 years, from ancient Egypt and up to the current 2020 presidential election. Otis amusingly outlines the deceitful work of Ramses II and his spin to convince people he "won" the battle against the city of Kadesh. Each case study is equally captivating. In the second half of the book, Otis explains numerous techniques on how to spot fake news and highlights how legitimate news outlets produce factual articles. With a variety of detailed examples and exercises, readers learn how to analyze news, posts, and photos, as well as how to check their own biases and emotional reactions when trying to determine fact from fiction. The book's droll tone and quick pace will thoroughly engage even those who dislike nonfiction; all readers will be empowered with a more critical eye when browsing their news feeds. VERDICT An important, comprehensive text that should be an integral part of all high school information literacy curricula.-Karen Bilton, Franklin Township P.L., NJ
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
-