Scan barcode
hidingzeus's review
3.75
Like an updated middle-grade 'Little Brother.' If the latter were about the news.
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
Weissman's THE LENGTH OF A STRING was one of my favorite reads of 2021, so I was excited to read another novel by her. This one, her newest, is a fun, upbeat story on the very relevant topic of online privacy. It stars a likable trio of friends, all of whom are smart, skilled, and brave. Ash is easy to relate to, especially as she makes mistakes and learns how to both own up to them and learn from them. I love how the book presents Ash & Co. as capable, while keeping their actions/words realistic to their ages. The kids felt authentic to me. In addition, the book's plot moves along at a steady pace, which keeps the reader (or listener, in my case) engaged throughout. For all these reasons and more, I really enjoyed THE RENEGADE REPORTERS. I don't know if Weissman plans to make this a series; if she does, I would happily read more!
A note on the audio: Keylor Leigh does an excellent job with the narration of this book. Her voice is smooth and easy on the ear. I would absolutely listen to more audiobooks with her at the helm.
A note on the audio: Keylor Leigh does an excellent job with the narration of this book. Her voice is smooth and easy on the ear. I would absolutely listen to more audiobooks with her at the helm.
gschroeder's review
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
pagesofpins's review
4.0
Ultimately didn't use this for middle school book talks because these 6th graders are in elementary school, and I think 4th and 5th would more likely pick it up.
Things I liked:
-The thoughtful discussion around data tracking and selling of info: are targeted ads a big deal? What about other uses of info?
-Thoughtful treatment on the ethics of reporting written at a kid's level
-The way the Jewish faith of Ash and Harry played seamlessly into the story, especially the great Yom Kippur scene
-The way Ash and Harry compete without a contrived romance at the end. Boy-girl friendship for the win
-Casual diversity: one character has two dads, nothing about that seems unusual
-The positive relationship with two teachers being regained at the end, Ash realizing they gave her consequences for good reasons and that her behavior was not great
Could have done without:
-The long play by plays of what's happening on camera, mostly rehashing things we know
-Enough with the dog poop thing already
Things I liked:
-The thoughtful discussion around data tracking and selling of info: are targeted ads a big deal? What about other uses of info?
-Thoughtful treatment on the ethics of reporting written at a kid's level
-The way the Jewish faith of Ash and Harry played seamlessly into the story, especially the great Yom Kippur scene
-The way Ash and Harry compete without a contrived romance at the end. Boy-girl friendship for the win
-Casual diversity: one character has two dads, nothing about that seems unusual
-The positive relationship with two teachers being regained at the end, Ash realizing they gave her consequences for good reasons and that her behavior was not great
Could have done without:
-The long play by plays of what's happening on camera, mostly rehashing things we know
-Enough with the dog poop thing already
binny's review
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
words_with_wendy's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
rebeccawantstoreadmore's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
greatlakesgal's review
3.0
Family ratings split. Good SEL on data privacy. Wasn’t subtle, but didn’t make us abandon the book. Appreciated the main character having two Dads without it being a big thing.
jilljemmett's review
5.0
When sixth grader Ash accidentally posts an inappropriate video of a teacher, she’s removed from her school’s morning news show. Ash and her friends Brielle and Maya decide to start their own news channel online, using their school software from Van Ness Media. Soon after starting their show, they discover that Van Ness Media has been selling data from students, despite claiming that they make ad-free software. Ash and her friends didn’t expect to stumble upon such an important new story, but they have to find a way to get it out in the world.
This story had an important message about digital fingerprints. Companies are constantly collecting and sharing data that we put out on the internet. Sometimes it is helpful, such as when you get a coupon for a store you were just in. But sometimes it’s creepy, when they can track where you live and work.
There were some details of the way companies gather and track our data that I wasn’t familiar with before reading this book. This is such an important story because it teaches kids the dangerous implications of using the internet. It also shows that kids can make a difference in the world, since Ash and her friends are the ones that discovered and reported on the story.
The Renegade Reporters is a great middle grade story!
Thank you Penguin for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story had an important message about digital fingerprints. Companies are constantly collecting and sharing data that we put out on the internet. Sometimes it is helpful, such as when you get a coupon for a store you were just in. But sometimes it’s creepy, when they can track where you live and work.
There were some details of the way companies gather and track our data that I wasn’t familiar with before reading this book. This is such an important story because it teaches kids the dangerous implications of using the internet. It also shows that kids can make a difference in the world, since Ash and her friends are the ones that discovered and reported on the story.
The Renegade Reporters is a great middle grade story!
Thank you Penguin for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
apassporttoliterature's review
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0