Killer Underwear Invasion! How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories (2022) by Elise Gravel

Tis the season! Election season, that is! That means it is time for everyone to brush up on their disinformation, fake-news and conspiracy-theory-spotting-skills. And what better way to learn than with humor! This laugh-out-loud graphic novel shows you what fake news is and why it is bad. It explains why disinformation is so toxic and why we fall for it. Oh no - a scorpion invasion! The blue blob must share this terrible news with all his friends! Oh wow - you can cure every disease if you drink shampoo!! Be prepared to laugh and have some very interesting conversations with your kids. This is not a “one and done” book. I checked this book out at the library and then immediately went online to bookshop.org to buy it. I plan to re-read this book with my kids throughout their youth. It is also a great refresher for adults. 

Heart: I’ve been passionate about social justice for most of my life. Author, Elise Gravel, offers a simple, perfect list on her blog about how you can raise a child who is mindful of social justice. Check it out here! 

Head: Killer Underwear Invasion received the Illinois School Library Media Association’s 2024 Bluestem Award. The Bluestem books are recommended for grades 3-5. I had a great conversation with my incoming 2nd grader about this book. As a former 7th grade teacher, I think this book could be used in junior high to teach digital literacy. Truly, I think this book could garner a wide audience, even adults!