What the Fact?: Finding the Truth in All the Noise

Gr 10 Up–Yasmin is a doctor, journalist, and published author who tackles facts by meticulously moving through topics, such as hoaxes and conspiracy theories, to share tips on discerning fact from fiction in a media-rich environment of the 21st-century, opening with a story about a viral Facebook post related to COVID-19. Adeptly breaking down how information has been shared for centuries, the book provides language to navigate the murkiness of the truth. Yasmin’s efficiency means each section is succinct and digestible, not preachy or overexplained. As a guidebook, it features realistic examples coupled with a straightforward method for consuming, processing, and sharing knowledge with a natural flow; accessibility is what Yasmin achieves. Another strength is her inclusion of general principles of information dissemination throughout the ages and then moving into analyzing bias and managing contentious conversation on social media platforms. Her goal to help readers “disentangle the truth” is apparent and commendable. The examination of information by asking questions and sharing tricks is a helpful guide for teens, but deeply relevant for adults, too.