Asking Questions about Body Image in Advertising

November 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-Asking questions is the first step to forming an opinion about a topic, and this series urges readers to think more deeply about and challenge assumptions about the media. The authors deconstruct the issues and encourage students to contemplate who might be behind the commercials, pop culture, political ads, and other forms of media they are consuming and what they might be trying to accomplish (or manipulate). A "Think About It" page at the end of each volume attempts to keep audiences asking questions and analyzing their perspectives. Although the subjects are as relevant as they are important, at 32 pages each, the books are almost too brief to effectively explore the issues. However, the series could be a useful jumping-off point for discussion about approaching media with scrutiny. VERDICT Fine options for exploring media literacy.

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