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Fake Gnus

by Leslie Helakoski Publisher: GROUNDWOOD BOOKS

A missing herd, a lesson in checking the facts

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Regular price $31.24 USD Sale price $18.74 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A missing herd, a lesson in checking the facts

Kid reporter Scoop Jackson investigates the disappearance of the zoo’s gnus by sorting through conflicting reports, photographs, and other clues. The search gives the book a playful framework for introducing a serious question: how can you tell whether something seen or heard in the media is true? A quiz and author’s note extend the story’s focus to fact-checking, reputable sources, and AI.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young children beginning to discuss facts, evidence, and media sources with an adult
  • Families and educators looking for a humorous story that opens conversation about critical thinking

Themes

Fact-checking and evidenceMedia literacyCritical thinkingHumor

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Kid reporter Scoop Jackson asks readers to consider what is fake news and what is fact, while looking for the gnus -- pronounced nooz -- that have escaped from their pen at the zoo.

The gnu pen is empty! So where are the gnus? There are many different clues to follow, and it's up to Scoop to decide if the evidence he hears and sees is true ... or not! Someone tells Scoop they saw the gnus eating ice cream in Central Park. But this news site says they're climbing the Empire State Building. And here's a photo showing the gnus at a dairy farm. Can all of these sources be real gnus? Or are they fake gnus? Scoop reminds us that a fact is something that can be proven to be true. With every new source, Scoop always checks the facts!

This tongue-in-cheek introduction to fake news asks kids to think critically about what they see and hear from media sources. The book includes a quiz and an author's note that touches on AI and expands on the concept of reputable sources.

 

Key Text Features

illustrations

speech balloons

quiz

author's note

 

Correlates to the Common Core States Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1

With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3

With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4

Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2

Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3

Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7

Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.