Extra! Extra!: The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Newspapers

Joan Weller is head librarian at the West Branch of Ottawa Public
Library, and the children’s literature reviewer for the Ottawa
Citizen.

Extra! Extra! is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of
newspapers. In Chapter 1, “Gathering the News,” the author defines
“news,” discusses how to present it, and looks critically at the
different sections of a newspaper—foreign news, local news, sports,
entertainment, comics, editorial pages, advertising, and so on. She also
provides historical background to the development of newspapers, with
colorful vignettes of those involved in their creation.

Chapter 2, “Delivering the News,” recounts a typical 24 hours in
the life of the fictitious Chronicle. Chapter 3, “Publishing Your Own
Newspaper,” challenges readers to create their own paper, from
choosing news, selling ads, getting photos, and editing stories to
designing the layout and printing the paper. The last chapter,
“Recycling the News,” shows what crafts and gifts to make with
newspapers, including a party piсata, pвpier-maché decorations, and
games.

This well-researched and easy-to-read activity book will involve
readers with the turn of each page. Black-and-white illustrations on
every page (though sometimes too many) add humor and liveliness to the
text. Highly recommended.