Published by Kids Can Press

Summary:  Using two fictional ad campaigns, one for a new bubble gum and one for a recycling service, the author takes readers through the steps of how products and services are marketed and advertised (which, I learned, are not the same thing).  From traditional ads to social media, kids will learn the various insidious methods companies use to get their loyalty…and their dollars.  There’s a chapter about digital footprints, tracking, and privacy, which at this point seems like kind of a lost cause, but is still good to be aware of.  Includes a glossary, bibliography, and index. 64 pages; grades 4-8.

Pros:  This would be a great text to use for a media literacy class.  The writing and cartoon-style illustrations are engaging, with plenty fascinating facts and information that kids will recognize from their everyday lives.

Cons:  While the fiction advertising campaigns worked well to teach about different aspects of marketing, it would have been nice to have some real-world examples as well.