For journalism educators, media literacy is more than a buzzword. It’s what we teach and preach daily. It’s our way of seeing the world. Thanks to the nonfiction focus of the Common Core State Standards, the proliferation of fake news during the 2016 election and a president who consistently discredits our field, we have a salient opportunity to study and discuss media literacy among ourselves and with vested partners. And it is for these reasons JEA has selected “Master the Media: How Teaching Media Literacy Can Save Our Plugged-In World” by Julie Smith as its fall 2017 One Book.

Written to help teachers and parents educate the next generation, “Master the Media” explains the history, purpose and messages behind the media, including chapters on news, political media and the internet. The point isn’t to get kids to unplug, Smith writes; it’s to help them make informed choices, understand the different between truth and lies and discern perception from reality because we have a responsibility to think critically about the content we consume.

To help create a sense of community, JEA leaders will conduct a series of online chats, podcasts and discussions in the upcoming months, culminating with a book signing at the NCTE convention at 1 p.m. Nov. 18. The first chat will take place on Twitter Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. CDT. Make sure to follow @JEAOneBook on Twitter and use #JEAOneBook on all related posts.

JEA also has set up a Facebook Group for members to interact with each other as they read “Media Matters” this fall. To join, visit their Facebook page.

The JEA Bookstore will offer a special sale on the One Book: $18 for members and $20 for nonmembers (plus shipping) using the bookstore discount code at checkout at the JEA bookstore. Members should log in to the members-only area before ordering to get the discount code.

You can follow the the author on Twitter, or visit her website.

In addition, please fill out this form to give us feedback about JEA One Book and connect.