The Breaking News (Sarah Lynne Reul)

Title:  The Breaking News

Author:  Sarah Lynne Reul

Illustrator:  Sarah Lynne Reul

Target Ages:  5-10

Genre:  Realistic Fiction Picture Book

Publisher Summary:

When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers—the good people working to make things better in big and small ways. She wants more than anything to help in a BIG way, but maybe she can start with one small act of kindness instead . . . and then another, and another. Small things can compound, after all, to make a world of difference.

First Lines:

I remember when we heard the bad news.

Suddenly Mom is glued to the television.

Dad can’t stop checking his phone.

They whisper and I pretend not to hear.

It is more than a little scary.

Memorable Moment:

Small things don’t solve everything.

The bad new is still there, after all.

But then again…so…are…we.

(Sweeping illustration of neighbors working to make the community a better place.)

Evaluation: 

The Breaking News aptly captures our contemporary 24-hour new cycle, where not only do we hear about all the tragedies that occur—the information is played over and over, dissected into small parts, and heavily sensationalized.  If the situation isn’t bad enough, the news coverage is sure to depress you.

As a society, we do not think often enough about how all this news impacts children.  I grew up in a world of relative innocence.  I was not aware of tragedies.  As a result, I spent my days cheerful and free, playing outside.  The first tragic event I remember was the assassination attempt on President Reagan when I was 9 years old.  My teacher yelled at the class about it (as if we had something to do with it).  Outside of that incident, I had no idea how my parents and community felt or what was going on.  They did not let the news--something I had no control over--impact me.  I am glad they didn't.  

The devastating event is generic--no specific details are given.  The reader just knows an event occurred that is making people sad.  As a result, the story can be read to young children and applied to any news event or personal situation.   Teachers and parents can use it to begin a conversation on age-appropriate, positive coping tools.  

I was challenged to consider many questions:  How much should I expose my children to?  How is my response impacting them?  If the adults are angry, distressed, or depressed, how are the children going to learn positive coping?

Author Reul gives us a starting point: “Even when the news is bad, you can still find good people trying to make things better in big and small ways.”  This insight prompts the child protagonists to make a difference in their own way—helping out, being silly, brainstorming solutions.  When the parents do not initially cheer up, the children do not give up. (I love their resilience.) Eventually, not only do their parents pick themselves up and make an empowering change, the whole community does. 

I love the message of the story—you do not have to solve the world’s problems to make a positive impact and to be joyful. Keep doing good. One task at a time…even if you feel small and discouraged. Overcome your feelings with positive actions.  

I highly recommend The Breaking News for libraries, schools, and homes.  The story is insightful and optimistic--two qualities we desperately need.  

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Gratitude:  As part of the daily class or home routine, practice being grateful.  Not just grateful for the “good” but for the “bad.”  Not just grateful for what is solved now, but for what will be solved.
• Current Events:  Next time there is a tragic event, begin the day reading The Breaking News. Then discuss ways children can be empowered.  Limit children’s exposure to the news coverage, especially if the children are in elementary school or younger.
• Communication: Encourage children to express their fears and concerns about the event.
• Community Service:  Brainstorm ways students or the family can make a positive difference.  In a class, have the children bring in a picture of something they did to help out a person in need at home or in the neighborhood.  Or volunteer to do a task in the community or around the school—pulling weeds, picking up trash, or cleaning up the lunch room.  Make something for people in need.  For instance, replant flowers in small pots.  Visit a hospital or nursing home to give out.  Draw pictures or write a note to someone in the hospital or in need.

Historical Connections:

No one event is mentioned, but it can be applied to a discussion on any tragic event like...
9/11

School Shootings
Terrorist Attacks