Fake News
22nd January 2026
In recent years the rise of Fake News has been a topic of conversation for many with lots of us unsure what sources we can and can’t trust and what the difference is between what we may see online and the facts. In an age when we can’t trust everything we may read or see, especially online, it has become increasingly important that children can learn to spot misinformation and question facts that may not be true. Whilst exposure to Fake News is increasing with nearly half of all young people thought to see fake or misleading content on a daily basis, studies have shown that only 2% of children can identify fake news in tests. Fake News can cause confusion and emotional distress in both children and parents and with convincing AI-generated stories and images learning to spot the real from the bogus is becoming even more challenging. The Department of Education has announced that, from 2028, primary school pupils will have lessons on identifying fake news, misinformation and disinformation and how to develop critical thinking and protect themselves online.
So how do we spot Fake News and how do we encourage children and young people to think more critically about the news and narratives they are consuming? There are a few basic things to look out for that can help us when we aren’t sure about a piece of news:
- Story – what is the piece trying to say? Can this story be found elsewhere and are the versions similar? Is this maybe trying to sell you something, or could it be a joke?
- Emotions – how does it make you feel? Fake news often plays on people’s feelings and tries to shock, outrage or excite. A strong reaction can be the first sign that something needs fact checking. Be cautious if you have a big reaction and try to examine it a bit more.
- Author – who wrote the story? Check the URL and address bar at the top, the most trusted URLs end with .com, .co.uk, .net, .gov, .edu, .org. If a URL or author looks strange or unusual then it might not be trustworthy.
- Pictures – does the accompanying picture look fake or maybe it’s out of context? If you aren’t sure, a reverse image search can tell you where it came from originally and maybe if it’s being used to promote a false idea.
- Shares – just because a friend or celebrity has shared something it doesn’t mean it’s correct; they might not even know it’s fake.
Fake News, how to spot it and why it may be best not to believe everything you read or see, especially online, is becoming more of a focus in books for young people as well. Our list contains non-fiction with practical hints and tips, and picture books and fiction that cover various forms of ‘fake new’ such as gossip, lies and rumours. With books suitable for readers from foundation years through to older teens these books can help start a conversation about Fake News in your classroom or home.
Breaking News
Sheridan, Nick
Paperback / softback
A funny, practical and ever-so timely guide to the NEWS for 8–12-year-olds. Find out how to understand and navigate 24/7 news, how to spot the facts from the fake . . . and what to do if the news becomes overwhelming. Perfect for fans of Matthew Syed’s You Are Awesome and Rashmi Sirdeshpande's Dosh. It’s never been easier to access the news; TV, radio, billboards, newspapers and endlessly buzzing on to the screens in our pockets. But with more and more news available, it’s hard to know what to trust. Where do stories come from? What’s real news and what’s fake? And what role does social media play in all of this?Insightful, hands-on, essential and reassuring, Breaking News will help children navigate the peaks and pitfalls of our modern day news cycle, through laugh-out-loud text, amusing illustration and interactive activities. Praise for Breaking News:'Newsflash: I loved it.’ – Eoin Colfer, million-copy selling author of ARTEMIS FOWL‘A perfect read for any budding young journalists out there.’ – Konnie Huq, TV presenter and author of the COOKIE! series‘Jam-packed with fascinating facts, this is a fantastically funny and much-needed guide to navigating the news.’ – Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of DOSH
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Fake News And How To Spot It
Bathie, Holly
Paperback / softback
Learn how to spot scams and misinformation with this fun, comprehensive guide. Packed with entertaining illustrations alongside practical information, Fake News and How to Spot it helps identify many pitfalls of everyday and online life - from scams and advertising tricks, to one-sided information and image manipulation. A must-have tool to help make wise choices and navigate a fast-changing world safely and confidently. - Broad coverage of a range of topical issues, including doctored photos and videos, influencing with statistics, biased news articles and sophisticated scams. - A reassuring book for parents, aimed at empowering young people to evaluate information objectively before they act or share online. - Ideal for adults and young people alike and perfect to share with friends and family.
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How to Question Everything
Martineau, Susan
Paperback / softback
Take the anxiety out of 'breaking news'! It's a jungle out there - an information jungle to be exact. The critical literacy skills in this book will help you cut through the noise, find the facts and grapple with the stats. It's not just about spotting fake news either, there are sources to consider and clever words to understand. Learn about the world in a calm and safe way! Revised edition updated to include information about AI (Artificial Intelligence).
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Finn's Little Fibs
Percival, Tom
Paperback / softback
Finn has always loved going to stay with his grandma . . . until one day, he tells a little fib that gets out of control! A book about telling the truth, from the bestselling author of the Big Bright Feelings series. Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people. When Finn accidentally breaks his grandma's precious clock, he tells a teeny tiny little lie - and blames it on his sister instead! Soon, Finn's little fib is OUT OF CONTROL, and it's getting in the way of everything! Can he find a way to tell the truth?This reassuring and humorous book is the perfect springboard for talking to children about the importance of honesty. Tom Percival's Big Bright Feelings series is the ideal starting point for discussions about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence and managing feelings. Every child's bookshelf should contain his books. Also available in the Big Bright Feelings series: Ruby's Worry, Perfectly Norman, Ravi's Roar, Meesha Makes Friends, Tilda Tries Again, Milo's Monster. Collect them all!
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Killer Underwear Invasion!
Gravel, Elise
Hardback
Can peanuts give you super strength? Were unicorns discovered on the moon? Did Martians really invade New Jersey? For anyone who has ever encountered outrageous stories like these and wondered whether they were true, this funny, yet informative book breaks down what fake news is, why people spread it, and how to tell what is true and what isn’t. With quirky illustrations and a humorous tone, Elise Gravel brings her kid-accessible wit to the increasingly important subject of media literacy and equips younger readers with the skills needed to interact with global news.
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