Author: Liam O’Donnell
Illustrator: Mike Deas

When Karl Reed, Owner of Oasis Developments, tries to force the sale of a local fruit farm—through whatever means necessary—Pema, Bounce and Jagroop decide to expose him through the media. Little do they realize that when it comes to the news and the advertisers who make it possible, the truth is not always part of the story and nothing can be taken at face value. While learning about media consolidation and the power of money over truth, Bounce, Pema and Jagroop decide to take on the developers and the media.
Media Meltdown is another exciting graphic novel adventure from the winning team of Liam O’Donnell and Mike Deas. The first three books in the series have all been best-sellers, and two of them, Soccer Sabotage and Ramp Rats, have been Junior Library Guild selections.

Reviews

“The illustrations in the graphic guide are solid and modern and will really appeal to children today. The information is well-researched and well-balanced, showing both the unique nature of the Internet as a vehicle for news, but also the pitfalls that are singular to the World Wide Web… Overall, Media Meltdown is a very entertaining and informative graphic novel and is sure to impress and instruct a generation of computer savvy children. Recommended.”
CM Magazine – September 11, 2009

“Through both plot and side-bar explanations, readers learn how the media world operates at both the technical and the economic levels…The children’s ability with electronic technology – and interest in learning more – will ring true for many readers, old and young alike, and lends veracity to this already engaging mystery.”
Resource Links – October 1, 2009

“An excellent choice for developing media literacy…The design and layout are colorful and fast paced. The text is well written and paired with useful imagery.”
School Library Journal – January 1, 2010

“A good mix of instructional and narrative comic, using the medium’s strengths to illustrate how media is made, and giving kids the tools they need to research media-making for themselves. The mystery plot is simple, but has some good tension and twists, and the resolution is really sweet. Understanding how media gets made and learning to make your own media are critical skills for kids, and this is a great starting-point.”
By: Cory Doctorow, www.boingboing.net – December 20, 2009