NEWS LITERACY

WHY NEWS MATTERS

Take a StandInvestigative journalists have often gone

undercover to expose dangerous situations. Some

examples are Upton Sinclair going undercover

in meatpacking plants and Nellie Bly posing as

a woman with mental illness to go to a mental

hospital. Would you be willing to take those risks,

knowing they were dangerous? Why or why not?

Core LibraryAn Imprint of Abdo Publishing

abdopublishing.com

NEWS LITERACY

WHY NEWS MATTERS

Why Do I Care?You might think that the news is boring and not

important. But look at the changes that journalists

have made over the years. Their stories have led

to improved working conditions, safer food, and

better treatment of patients, among other things.

How does that change your opinion?

Core LibraryAn Imprint of Abdo Publishing

abdopublishing.com

NEWS LITERACY

WHY NEWS MATTERS

Another ViewThis book includes the story of Nellie Bly going

undercover in a mental hospital. As you know,

every source is different. Ask a librarian or another

adult to help you find a source about Nellie Bly

and her time in the hospital. Write a short essay

comparing and contrasting the new source’s point

of view with that of this book’s author. What is the

point of view of each author? How are they similar

and why? How are they different and why?

Core LibraryAn Imprint of Abdo Publishing

abdopublishing.com

NEWS LITERACY

WHY NEWS MATTERS

You Are ThereThis book talks about how a group of students

discovered their school principal was not qualified

for her job. Pretend you are one of the students

who uncovered this fact. Write a letter home telling

your friends about the investigation. How did your

team do this research? How did you feel when you

began to realize the deception? Be sure to add

plenty of detail to your notes.

Core LibraryAn Imprint of Abdo Publishing

abdopublishing.com