Book Review: Fakers

FAKERS by H. P. Wood is an insider’s guide to cons, hoaxes, and scams.

This work of nonfiction begins with the history of scams and deception. Each chapter then explores a different fake such as con artists, psychics, and mass-media hoaxes. Readers will be attracted to the many sidebars, historical documents, and colorful illustrations.

Librarians will find youth enjoy discussing the many hoaxes found in the book. Feature this title in a display along with books about aliens, fake news, and scams. Also, connect the book with lessons associated with technology scams and information literacy.

Published by Charlesbridge Publishing on October 2, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Web Review: Google's April Fool's Day Jokes

Each year Google introduces a unique April Fool’s Day joke. Go to Google at http://google.com to join in the fun. Can you find the joke?

Need a hint? 
Go to https://com.google/ 
Go to https://www.google.com/maps and click the PacMan icon.
Go to https://youtu.be/XTTtkisylQw

Let’s explore some Google jokes from past years. These are a great way to introduce youth to the hazards (and also fun) of fake websites.

Google Gulp - http://www.google.com/googlegulp/
Google's PigeonRank - http://www.google.com/technology/pigeonrank.html
Google Romance - http://www.google.com/romance/
Gmail Mail - https://www.gmail.com/mail/help/paper/index.html
Google Emojify the Web - https://youtu.be/G3NXNnoGr3Y
Google Chromecast - https://youtu.be/IpT1787EjbE
Gmail Custom Time - https://www.gmail.com/mail/help/customtime/
Gmail Autopilot - https://www.gmail.com/mail/help/autopilot/index.html
Google Nose - https://www.google.com/intl/en/landing/nose/
Google Motion - https://www.gmail.com/mail/help/motion.html
Google Comic Sans - http://www.google.com/landing/csfe/
Google Treasure Map Mode - https://youtu.be/_qFFHC0eIUc

Youth need to distinguish fact from fiction from fake. Unfortunately, most students aren't very concerned about accuracy, they're simply seeking an answer to a question or a funny photo to share on Instagram. Get them interested in asking themselves about accuracy. Student should ask themselves:
What questions do I have about the content?
How would I find out if it's real or fake?

For more fun, go to Wikipedia’s list of Google Hoaxes and Easter Eggs at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Google_hoaxes_and_easter_eggs