From School Library Journal
Grade 6-10–The story of a small farmer versus a large developer is an excellent choice for developing media literacy. Mr. Reed of Oasis Developers wants to purchase Jagroop's family fruit farm and turn it into another suburban development. When Jagroop and his friends expose Reed's nefarious activities, including setting fire to the family's barn, to the local press, they quickly discover how advertising and media conglomeration affect news stories. The design and layout are colorful and fast paced. The text is well written and paired with useful imagery. The Web site www.mediameltdown.net offers the book as a free download as well as games and educational materials.
–Lisa Gieskes, CA Johnson Preparatory Academy, Columbia, SC Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"The illustrations in the graphic guide are solid and modern and will really appeal to children today. The information is well-researched and well-balanced, showing both the unique nature of the Internet as a vehicle for news, but also the pitfalls that are singular to the World Wide Web... Overall,
Media Meltdown is a very entertaining and informative graphic novel and is sure to impress and instruct a generation of computer savvy children. Recommended." (
CM Magazine 20100101)
"Through both plot and side-bar explanations, readers learn how the media world operates at both the technical and the economic levels The children's ability with electronic technology—and interest in learning more—will ring true for many readers, old and young alike, and lends veracity to this already engaging mystery." (
Resource Links 20091220)
"An excellent choice for developing media literacy The design and layout are colorful and fast paced. The text is well written and paired with useful imagery." (
School Library Journal 20091201)
"A good mix of instructional and narrative comic, using the medium's strengths to illustrate how media is made, and giving kids the tools they need to research media-making for themselves. The mystery plot is simple, but has some good tension and twists, and the resolution is really sweet. Understanding how media gets made and learning to make your own media are critical skills for kids, and this is a great starting-point." (Cory Doctorow
www.boingboing.net 20100101)
"A great resource for kids who are looking at advertising in schools, and will inspire an interest in other kids who pick this up off the shelf." (
NMRLS Youth Services Book Review 20100827)
*no details* (
Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media )
"The narrative flows from topic to topic seamlessly, talking about the general concept of media literacy...The kids are likable, smart but flawed...The lessons imparted are made for anyone navigating today's complicated media landscape." (
www.nonfictioncomics.net )
