Description
Book SynopsisWhen Ash gets kicked off her school''s news show, she becomes a renegade reporter--and makes a big discovery about technology and her fellow students'' privacy.Ash and her friends are reporters. They were ready to lead their school news show,
The News at Nine, sponsored by Van Ness Media, when an unfortunate incident involving a dancing teacher, an irresponsibly reported story, and a viral video got them kicked off the crew. So Ash, Maya, and Brielle decide to start their own news show,
The Underground News. And soon they stumble on a big lead: Van Ness Media, the educational company that provides their school''s software, has been gathering data from all the kids at school. Their drawings, their journals, even their movements are being recorded and cataloged by Van Ness Media. But why? Ash and her friends are determined to learn the truth and report it.
Trade ReviewPraise for The Renegade Reporters“Absolutely delightful! We need more renegade reporters in the world—please!" —RJ Palacio, bestselling author of
Wonder"The story features current issues and a diverse cast of characters who encounter problems and family situations that are now a part of life for many. The students have supportive adults around them as well as some who are not quite so nice. The novel is well worth rereads and discussions, but can also be enjoyed for the empowering feeling it imparts." —
School Library Connection
"The unfolding of the investigation is skillfully handled, and kids will cheer for the perspicacious young reporters . . . A solid mystery that discusses data privacy and journalistic integrity." —
Kirkus“Weissman develops the rivalry and lunchroom shenanigans well against a Baltimore backdrop with recognizable local details . . . triumphant conclusion makes a solid case for kids’ digital literacy.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Weissman uses a diverse cast to tackle the issue of data privacy in a way that will be accessible and understandable for a tween audience . . . The timely topic and author’s note on privacy offer opportunities for further discussion, making this a solid choice for libraries and social justice book clubs.” —
Booklist
“In this entertaining, thought-provoking novel . . . Brent Weissman's lively narrative (and an author's note at the end) offers the target age group much to think about when it comes to issues of online privacy.” —
The Buffalo News
"Diligent research and reporting by the Renegade Reporters gradually uncovers corruption perpetrated by Van Ness Media . . . The members of the renegade crew are inquisitive, courageous, and motivated . . . In addition to the aforementioned Rosh Hashanah connections, Yom Kippur is treated thoughtfully and substantively." —
Jewish Book CouncilPraise for Elissa Brent Weissman's The Length of a StringSydney Taylor Honor Book
"Told in two voices which Weissman weaves together like a double helix, this is a story of family ties, some of which are broken by war, some broken by choice, some broken by unanswered questions. But by the end, readers will see that love and faith--from strangers, from friends, and from long-gone ancestors--have the power to knit us together with strings that are so much stronger than genetics. I loved this sweet refuge of a book." --Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor-winning author of
The Underneath and
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp"You'll yearn with this wonderful heroine as she searches for long-ago Anna and her own hidden past. The characters are unforgettable, and the ending is entirely satisfying. A book readers will love; I know I did." --Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor-winning author of
Lily's Crossing"
The Length of a String is a resounding continuum of connection and search for self. As universal as it is personal. A must read." --Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor-winning author of
One Crazy Summer
