BREAKING NEWS

Breaking a news story requires more than skill—you need grit, determination, imagination, and friends.

Frankie feels sad as she watches her journalist mother, who has a breaking news assignment, pack to go to the airport. The whole family—including Papa and Frankie’s big sister, Raven—gathers to give Mama a big hug and say goodbye. Though Frankie recalls memories of joining her mother at work and even sitting behind the news desk, she still can’t help feeling left behind. After Mama encourages her to “be on the lookout for developing stories,” Frankie gets an idea. She will indeed look for stories at home, and she’ll do it with the help of her pals—her doll Farrah, her King Tut and Queen Cleopatra action figures, her teddy bear Dan, Robert the Robert, and her cat, Nina Simone. When they hear a mysterious crying sound, everyone works together to break the story. Vibrant and witty, this new series installment balances an age-appropriate exploration of the ins and outs of journalism—the importance of asking questions, how to develop a story—with a fun and gentle story. This is the perfect introduction to journalism for cub reporters. The art contains plenty of white space, which contrasts crisply against the bold primary colors throughout. The book closes with information on understanding the news. Frankie and her family are Black.

A charming read for budding newshounds.