The School Newspaper
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If you think back to middle school, it's likely you remember some distinct personalities as part of the newspaper crew. In the titles below, you'll meet some of those kids once again. Whether investigating a corporate cover-up or exposing bullying in the school, these young journalists have great stories to tell.
BURNS, Jason M. The Sleepy Truth. illus. by Erik Valdez y Alanis. Viper. 2007. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-9793680-5-9.
Gr 4-9-Strange occurrences in the small town of Sleepy Hallow have motivated a group of local high school kids to embrace their first amendment rights and establish The Sleepy Truth, a newspaper that aims to uncover the eerie mysteries involving a Loch Ness-type monster and aliens. The artwork is terrific, a blend of manga and classic comic-book-style illustration.
BUTLER, Dori Hillestad. The Truth About Truman School. Albert Whitman. 2008. PLB $15.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-8095-0; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-8096-7.
Gr 5-8-Zebby and Amr, disgusted with the censorship the school newspaper endures, start their own underground rag, which allows them to take shots at the catered-to popular crowd. Much of the story addresses the often cruel and self-centered actions of teens. Written as a series of blog-like entries from a variety of characters, the novel will appeal particularly to struggling and reluctant readers.
MCMAHEN, Chris. Tabloidology. Orca. 2009. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-009-1.
Gr 4-7-Hilarity ensues in McMahen's very funny and original book. Nerdy perfectionist editor Martin gets teamed up with attention-seeking practical joker Trixi, and the headlines are never the same again. Add in a wizard-like copier repairman and outlandish stories suddenly coming true, and the story swerves sharply into madcap territory. A fun and engaging read that may spur some changes in local journalistic efforts!
JONES, Jenny B. So Not Happening. (The Charmed Life Series). Thomas Nelson. 2009. pap. $12.99 ISBN 978-1-59554-541-1.
Gr 6 Up-Bella Kirkwood faces serious culture shock when she goes from being a pampered New York princess to living in a small town in Oklahoma with her new stepfamily. She throws herself into the school paper, trying to ignore the cute editor and focusing on two mysterious deaths that somehow involve the school football team. Jones delivers a funny, sweet story with plenty of suspense that will keep readers turning the pages.
WINERIP, Michael. Adam Canfield of the Slash. Candlewick. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2340-1; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-2794-2.
Gr 4-8-Adam Canfield is the co-editor of the Harris Elementary/Middle School newspaper, The Slash. In an effort to continue the tradition of great and responsible journalism, Adam and his friend Jennifer work on revealing a scandal that threatens to rock the school and the town. The writing is funny and fast paced, and the topics covered by The Slash, such as misuse of school funds by an unethical principal, provide excellent discussion points. Readers will want to follow Adam through two sequels, Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! and Adam Canfield, The Last Reporter.
