About the Book

Misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda have always presented challenges to democratic societies, but today, due to the internet, so-called fake news knows no boundaries or borders. With each passing day the potential reach of a single false news story—and its ability to negatively impact all of us—grows in both size and scope. Although politicians, activists, and ordinary citizens regularly complain about deceptive or biased news reports, they tend to define fake news as anything with which they happen to disagree, thus compounding the problem even further. Seeking to bring some much-needed clarity to the subject, journalist and author David G. McAfee documents the myriad definitions of “fake news” and its various incarnations throughout history, from ideologically motivated disinformation operations to commercially motivated misinformation campaigns. Demonstrating that we are all culpable in the creation of the current “fake news” pandemic, he presents a number of practical and actionable suggestions for combating it. In the end, however, he argues that each of us, no matter our political bent, have an important role to play in curbing the insidious spread and most dangerous effects of fake news.

About the Author(s)

David G. McAfee is author of No Sacred Cows, Mom, Dad, I'm an Atheist, Disproving Christianity and Other Secular Writings, and The Belief Book. He holds a degree in religious studies from the University of California–Santa Barbara and lives in Southern California.

Details

ISBN: 9781634312066
Format: paperback
SRP: $14.95
Lexile measure: 1260L
Page count: 208 pages
Trim size: 5.5 x 8.5
Pub date: October 2020

“A charming, fast-paced story with believable dialogue, appealing characters, and a wide-ranging plot that is bound to entrance young readers—will teaching them a thing or two about geography and history in the process.”
—Christina Baker Kline, New York Times best-selling author of Orphan Train

About the Book

Nearing his twelfth birthday, Brendan, together with his younger brother Ryan and friend Gabrielle, discovers a mysterious golden object in the Maine woods. To their amazement a ghostly voice from within entreats them to save the world from McGrab, a horrifying creature who wishes to conquer the planet. Before they know it, the three children cut through the earth's crust in a magical sphere as they try to stop McGrab. Confident of victory, McGrab toys with his adversaries, leaving clues about what they must seek across the globe in order to stop him. Traveling from continent to continent amid hair-raising adventures and thrilling escapes, the children solve his cryptic puzzles. Along the way, they discover surreal places and stunning geography: a pink lake, a building capped with giant eggs, and an island that arises in a single day. Armed with knowledge about the world and themselves that they've gained in their wild chase, the children return home to face McGrab in a decisive battle in which the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

About the Author

Sean Faircloth has three sons and lives in Bangor, Maine. This is his second book. He had the idea for the Maine Discovery Museum then led the multi-million dollar project to completion, sparking downtown revitalization in his home city. As an elected official, Faircloth spearheaded over thirty laws, most of which focused on improving the lives of children. Recently, as Mayor of Bangor, Maine, Faircloth initiated EnergySmart which makes home weatherization more affordable. Faircloth has also initiated a program to encourage immigrants to come to his city and to celebrate cultural diversity.

Details

Imprint: ImpWorks
ISBN: 9781634311014
Format: paperback
SRP: $12.95
Grade Level: 4–7
Page count: 224 pages
Trim size: 5.5 x 8
Pub date: December 2016

"With so many adults acting like children, a kids' book for grown-ups feels entirely appropriate right now."
—Anne Heche, actress, Six Days/Seven Nights, Wag the Dog, Psycho

About the Book

How did this happen? One minute our house felt so clean, tidy, and safe—and then suddenly, a giant elephant arrives and starts wrecking everything! He's smashing the walls! He's trampling the garden! He's breaking our piggy bank! He won't let some of our friends into the bathroom, and he's forcing others to stand outside the front door! He's polluting our drinking water! He's stinking up the air! He's destroying everything! Help!!! There's an Elephant in My House! is a children's book for adults who have had enough of the giant elephant and want to get him out of the house before he destroys everything!

About the Author

Onur Tukel is a filmmaker, painter, and author. He’s had two children’s books published, Little Friends and Rainstack! and has had numerous art shows. His film Catfight premiered at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival. He lives in Brooklyn.

Details

ISBN: 9781634311823
Format: hardcover
SRP: $15.95
Page count: 80 pages
Trim size: 5.5 x 8.5
Pub date: October 2019

"David G. McAfee's newest book should be on every skeptic's bookshelf, and on every believer's, too. It is a thorough treatment of a number of topics that inspire undue credulity—some much more harmful than others—but all requiring skepticism. Having interviewed hundreds of authors on these sorts of subjects over the years, and having read all of their books, I enthusiastically recommend No Sacred Cows. It is an important work of skepticism steeped in solid research, open-minded inquiry, and a humane interest in helping believers better understand and accept the world as it really is.”
—D.J. Grothe, director, Institute for Science and Human Values

About the Book

While belief in religious supernatural claims is waning throughout the West, evidence suggests belief in nonreligious supernatural claims is on the rise. What explains this contradiction? How can a society with a falling belief in God have a rising belief in ghosts, psychic powers, ancient astronauts, and other supernatural or pseudo-scientific phenomena? Taking the same anthropological approach he employed in his notable studies of religion, atheist author and activist David G. McAfee turns his attention to nonreligious faith-based claims. Whether going undercover as a medium, getting tested at Scientology headquarters in Los Angeles, or interviewing celebrity paranormalists and famous skeptics, he leaves no stone unturned in his investigation. As in the case of religion, he finds an unwillingness among "believers" to critically examine their most closely held convictions. Only once individuals honestly assess their own sacred cows will they be able to ensure that their beliefs conform to the known facts—and that our decisions as a society are based on the best available evidence.

About the Author(s)

David G. McAfee is author of Mom, Dad, I'm an Atheist: The Guide to Coming Out as a Nonbeliever, Disproving Christianity and Other Secular Writings, and The Belief Book. He holds a degree in religious studies from the University of California–Santa Barbara and lives in Southern California. Yvette d'Entremont (foreword by), also known as SciBabe, is a public speaker, science blogger, and former analytical chemist.

Details

ISBN: 9781634311182
Format: paperback
SRP: $17.95
Page count: 448 pages
Trim size: 6 x 9
Pub date: August 2017