Numerous states have made teaching kids about media messages a formal part of the curriculum. The Fact Finders: Media Literacy series, which includes this solid title about movies, ties into this trend. Here, an author who runs a media-literacy Web site uses basic, conversational language to encourage middle-grade children to "think about what [they] see and ask questions." The narrative addresses filmmakers' market research; how product placements work; and the ways directors' choices can spread stereotypes or distort reality: "A leading lady, even when she's fighting the bad guys, wears high heels." Pop-culture references and numerous film stills will date the book, but the points they support will lead readers back to their own movie-viewing experiences. Like the Hollywood directors who load action flicks with thrill-heightening "jolts per minute," the book's punchy headlines, sound-bite-style text, and bold design will help hold readers' attention. Activity sidebars can easily adapt to classroom use, and useful Web and book resources conclude.
Jennifer Mattson