Books on fake news and lies

It is vital that children learn to spot fake news and false information – and schools will soon be teaching classes on this. This selection of titles includes practical non-fiction books and also fiction that takes a broader view of fake news’, in the sense of gossip and lies.

An illustration from the front cover of What Happens Online - a teenage boy wearing a gaming headset and holding a controller, smiling as he props his head up on his hand
  • #Goldilocks

    by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross 

    2019 4 to 9 years 

    This cautionary tale about the dangers of oversharing on social media is hilarious and timely, and it should be installed in every classroom in every junior and secondary school.

  • Chicken Clicking

    by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross 

    2015 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A perfect introduction to internet safety for young children, wrapped up in an imaginative story about a thrill-seeking chick.

  • Finn’s Little Fibs

    by Tom Percival 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    When Finn tells a fib about breaking Grandma’s clock, it leads to more and more fibs. How can he tell the truth? Reassuring, kind and sensitive, this is a lovely book, beautifully illustrated.

  • Adam Wins The Internet

    by Adam B, illustrated by James Lancett 

    2022 5 to 14 years 

    • Funny

    When lonely kid Adam meets an AI on the internet that promises to make him a famous YouTuber, all his dreams start to come true! But there are some things that money can’t buy, and as Adam’s popularity skyrockets out of control he must remember what’s truly important…

  • What Lexie Did

    by Emma Shevah, illustrated by Helen Crawford-White 

    2018 9 to 14 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Coming-of-age

    When Lexie is caught between telling the truth and lying, her decision splits her family apart – can she figure out how to bring them back together? A complex, sophisticated exploration of honesty that’s also brilliantly funny and compelling.

  • History’s Most Epic Fibs!

    by Athena Kugblenu, illustrated by Nicole Miles 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    A useful and fun guide to fake news and incorrect history, keeping the tone light while investigating some serious subjects.

  • The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie

    by Radhika Sanghani 

    9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny

    Can thirteen-year-old Priya be honest about how she feels without ruining her life? Funny, fresh and full of heart. 

  • Nina Peanut is Amazing

    by Sarah Bowie 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    Nina Peanut is a hilarious, aspiring content creator. When one of her videos goes viral, she must learn how to cope with the challenges of fame, friendship and self-confidence.  

  • What Happens Online

    by Nathanael Lessore 

    2025 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny

    14-year-old Fred lives a double life. In school he’s a nobody, a ghost. But online, from his gaming chair, Fred is Existor – a streamer with a massive following. Fred must balance his two personas while dealing with bullies and a tough home situation. 

  • The Truth About Riley

    by Sinéad Moriarty 

    2022 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age

    Riley and her mum can’t pay the rent and are suddenly homeless. But how long can Riley keep up the pretence to her friends? A moving contemporary story full of empathy. 

  • Swarm Rising

    by Tim Peake and Steve Cole 

    2022 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Science fiction
    • Thriller

    An absorbing, exciting, sci-fi adventure based on an ingenious concept, thoughtfully planned and with a strong environmental message.

  • The Double Life of Ted Amos

    by Simon James Green, illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    Edward has reinvented himself as Ted at his dad’s new town. Ted is cool and definitely isn’t bullied. But will his lies catch up with him? Hilarious and moving, this is about being who you really are. 

  • Breaking News

    by Nick Sheridan, illustrated by David O’Connell

    2022 9 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Non-fiction

    A perfect book for a budding news hound or any child who takes an interest in the world, this fun and stimulating read by a real-life news journalist is a great guide to what news actually is and how it works. 

  • Girl (In Real Life)

    by Tamsin Winter 

    2021 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Funny

    Lots of teenagers are embarrassed by their parents but when yours vlog about everything in your life, including your first period, what can you do to get your life back? A funny and interesting look at social media, identity and privacy. 

  • The Truth Detective

    by Tim Harford, illustrated by Ollie Mann 

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    How to track down the truth in a world full of statistics, information overload and fake news 

  • Clicks: How to be your Best Self Online

    by Natasha Devon, illustrated by Rubyetc 

    2023 11 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction

    Friendly and practical, this guide to navigating online life and its joys and perils is a must-have for secondary pupils.