11/01/2013
Gr 6–10—This series helps readers understand the joys and pitfalls of Facebook, Twitter, online gaming, and more. The authors present information and advice in a clear, concise, and informative manner, treating readers with respect and never taking on a scolding tone. Well researched, these books include studies that will inspire students to evaluate their own behavior. For example, a 2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report found that 18- to 24-year-olds took 132 days, on average, to recognize identity theft. Anecdotes from the media also spice up the writing. The example of Olympic competitors who were expelled from the 2012 summer games after tweeting racist messages shows that even the most high-achieving people can abuse the online forum. The strength of these volumes is in their technical precision. The authors clearly know their technology. If the design of the books is somewhat lackluster, at least there is a sense of variety or visual diversity from page to page, with helpful screen shots and website examples. The extensive bibliographies will help will further research. Though some of the information might soon be obsolete given how fast-changing technology is, these excellent volumes will be worthwhile for students new to technology and those wanting to increase their safety online.
