Journalism might seem like a grown-up world of headlines, deadlines, and breaking news but for young readers, it can be an exciting window into curiosity, truth-telling, and the power of words. Children's books about journalism, whether they’re fictional tales of kid reporters cracking cases or true stories of real-life journalists changing the world, offer an engaging way to explore media, ethics, storytelling, and civic awareness.

In both fiction and non-fiction, these books introduce children to the basics of reporting, the importance of asking questions, and the thrill of uncovering a story. Whether it’s a budding sleuth writing for a school newspaper or a biography of a groundbreaking journalist, these stories inspire kids to think critically, communicate clearly, and maybe even pick up a notebook of their own.

Here’s a selection of journalism-themed books for children that inform, entertain, and empower - and they’re all ideal for curious minds ready to chase the truth. Across all ages, from board books for babies to compelling novels for teens, these stories introduce young readers to the tools of journalism: asking questions, listening carefully, and sharing what matters.

Books about journalism for ages 6–9

Freddie and the Fairy by Julia Donaldson (for younger readers). While not strictly about journalism, this playful picture book involves miscommunication and listening carefully. Key reporter skills and great for introducing the ideas of clarity and curiosity.

Fiction for 7+ / 9+ readers

Scoop McLaren: Detective Editor by Helen Castles. Meet Scoop, a young editor of an online newspaper who also solves mysteries! Smart, fast-paced, and full of action and perfect for budding journalists who love a bit of intrigue.

Newsprints by Ru Xu. Set in an alternate steampunk world, this graphic novel follows Blue, a newsboy (who’s secretly a girl) involved in big headlines and even bigger secrets. Great visual storytelling about the power of the press for children aged 9+.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Mia Tang manages the front desk at her parents’ motel, but her true passion? Writing. She enters a writing contest, pens letters to expose injustice, and finds her voice as a young activist. A brilliant story of resilience, courage, and truth-telling for children aged 9+ / 11+.

In Journalist on the Job, we meet Suni who is a journalist reporting on important news and events, keeping us informed of what is going on in the world around us. It’s part of the Project X Hero Academy Non-fiction, an inspirational series of books which broadens children's subject knowledge, while consolidating their phonics learning and improving their reading fluency. It’s Lime Book Band, Oxford Reading Level 11.

The Guggenheim Mystery by Robin Stevens, Siobhan Dowd. Though more mystery than journalism, the young characters do a lot of clue-gathering, interviewing, and detective-style note-taking, just like journalists. A great crossover for curious minds.

The Paper & Hearts Society: Read with Pride by Lucy Powrie is part of the Paper & Hearts Society series for older readers, and this novel explores identity, activism, and journalism through a character who writes a school column. Thoughtful and affirming.

Factual books about journalism for ages 9+

Kid Reporter: The Secret to Breaking News by Saffron Howden, Dhana Quinn is a brilliant non-fiction guide that teaches kids how to interview, research, and write like a real journalist. In Kid Reporter you'll learn how to research, investigate and interview, write, produce, photograph and record, fact-check and edit, become a publisher by starting a school newspaper, creating a TV- style news show, or a current affairs website or podcast. Kid Reporter will also help your kids become savvy media consumers and creators in the digital age, from navigating the daily deluge of media, information and 'fake news' to grasping the tools to become a responsible creator themselves.

Start It Up: The Complete Teen Business Guide to Turning Your Passions into Pay by Kenrya Rankin suitable for 11+ readers includes a strong section on creating your own media outlet, including student newspapers, podcasts, and blogs - ideal for entrepreneurial young journalists.

Learn how to be a junior journalist with this TIME For Kids Kid Reporter Field Guide. This book talks you through how to write many types of articles across several different sections including News, Opinion, Reviews, Arts and Culture, Sports, and more! Learn how to be a journalist in this book that explains how to interview sources, cover sports events, critique restaurants, write features on impactful people, and create great articles. This guide also features biographies on several famous journalists throughout history, including Ida B. Wells and Nellie Bly.

Kids books to help identify real news and dispel fake news

In a world overflowing with information, helping children tell fact from fiction is more important than ever. From viral memes to misleading headlines, today’s young readers are growing up in an age of misinformation. Here we highlight a selection of engaging, age-appropriate books that teach kids how to think critically, question sources, and become confident consumers - and creators - of media. These reads turn curious kids into truth sleuths, giving them the tools to spot fake news, understand bias, and become thoughtful digital citizens.

In Fake News by Tom Jackson, you’ll be able to identify What is fake news? How can the news be wrong? How do we know if what we're reading is true or not?

Breaking News by Nick Sheridan is a funny, practical and ever-so timely guide to the news for 8-12-year-olds. Find out how to understand and navigate 24/7 news, how to spot the facts from the fake

We also love the debut non-fiction book by best-selling author Chris Haughton for 9+ / 11+ readers and adults alike! The History of Information takes you on a journey through the evolution of knowledge, communication, and information. The striving to share information, and - at the same time - the striving to undermine it, explains so much of today's world and connects so many seemingly unconnected things: the rise of religions, states, science, democracy, the west, militarism, racism, fascism, consumerism, big tech, polarisation, and AI. It’s a beautiful look at the story of information; from the first languages and cave paintings, through to how we communicate and record information today.

YA Fiction About Using Your Voice

Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan is an inspirational story about young women who won’t be shut down, shut up or shut out. Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. Sick of the way that young women are treated even at their 'progressive' New York City high school, they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. One problem - no one shows up. That hardly stops them. They start posting everything from videos of Chelsea performing her poetry to Jasmine's response to being reduced to a racist and sexist stereotype in the school's theatre department. And soon, they've gone viral, creating a platform they never could've predicted. With such positive support, the Women's Rights Club is also targeted by trolls. But Jasmine and Chelsea won't let their voices - or those of the other young women in their city - be silenced. They'll risk everything to be heard and effect change ... but at what cost?

Browse the collection below for more children's books on journalism and reporting.