Originally written as a blog post for June 2, 2014, this booklist has been formatted for insertion into a library binder for easy use during reader's advisory. It highlights four upper-elementary level books about students engaging with journalism.

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Students engage with journalism
(Upper-elementary level booklist)
Student journalism is a rich subject to explore for themes that include the
ethics of reporting and the responsibility of a news publisher to the
community it serves. This booklist features several books written for
upper-elementary reading audiences. While the youthful protagonists
come from varying backgrounds, they all engage with the power and
responsibility of news media.
The Last Newspaper Boy in America
by Sue Corbett
David family males have delivered the newspaper in
Steele, Penn. for as long as the town has existed, with
each boy taking over the route when he turns 12 years
old. On the eve of his 12th birthday, Wil David receives
unwelcome news: the Cooper County Caller will end
newspaper delivery to Steele. Wil’s efforts to save
newspaper delivery take place against the backdrop of a
town trying to survive hard times.
The Landry News
by Andrew Clements
Fifth-grader Cara Landry creates her own newspaper,
with an editorial rebuking her teacher, Mr. Larson, for
failing to teach his students.
At first resentful of the editorial, Mr. Larson concludes
Cara is right. He’s inspired to draft lessons around
freedom of the press and the responsibilities of
journalism, while Cara learns an important lesson
about the “heart” with which a newspaper can color its
reporting of “the facts.”

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Girl Reporter Blows Lid Off Town!
by Linda Ellerbee
Aspiring journalist Casey Smith resents the
involvement of a classmate, Megan O’Connor, in her
efforts to revive her middle school’s student
newspaper. Casey is determined to prove that a paper
mill is polluting the local river; she learns to appreciate
Megan’s guidance as she pursues her investigation.
This book dramatizes the ethics of news-gathering and
illustrates the contributions of an editor when shaping
the final report.
Darnell Rock Reporting
by Walter Dean Myers
A school-paper editorial by 13-year-old Darnell
Rock prompts a discussion by the city council
about what to do with a vacant lot and leads to an
invitation to write an article for the local
newspaper.
Through interviewing a homeless man and
observing what happens after his article makes it
into print, Darnell learns first-hand about the
power of the press to give a voice to people who
are marginalized by society — and the importance
of not dismissing any person’s potential.
Created June 2, 2014
By Cynthia M. Parkhill