The ability to distinguish fact from fiction is an essential skill in school and in life. To equip readers with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify credibility in the information they consume, Capstone and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) have partnered to publish Cyber Sleuths. Educators can get a sneak peek at the middle-grade chapter book series at booth 724 at ISTELive 24 in Denver.

Educators attending ISTELive 24 are also invited to participate in the Cyber Sleuths Scavenger Hunt from June 23-26. Each day, a Sasquatch Squishmallow — inspired by The Sasquatch Suspect installment in the series — will be hidden in the wilds of the convention center. The sleuth who follows the clue of the day and finds the Squishmallow will win a prize package that includes a selection of children’s books from Capstone and ISTE and other fun prizes.

The Cyber Sleuths mystery series follows a worldwide, online network of tech-savvy kids who are wired-in and ready to take on the internet’s worst scams, fakes, and bad actors. With high-tech tools and data, they combat misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation circulating in their communities.

“The digital age has enabled widespread access to tools and platforms making it easy for anyone to create media. However, this accessibility also poses challenges because it can be difficult to know who created something, why they made it, and if it is credible. As a result, teaching and learning media literacy is more complex in today’s digital landscape. That’s why Capstone is excited to once again partner with ISTE to publish a special collection of children’s books promoting media literacy awareness and creative use of technology and digital tools,” said Capstone CEO Randi Economou. “This collaboration empowers educators to have positive conversations with their students and provide inspiration around using technology to create, problem solve, and learn.”

The Cyber Sleuths series will be published August 1 and  follows on the heels of the 2023 launch of the collaboration that connects Capstone’ engaging storytelling with ISTE’s research-based best practices on technology use in schools.“ISTE is proud to partner with Capstone on a creative series of books focused on media literacy skills for young learners. Through these four clever mysteries, readers will problem solve along with characters who collaborate with peers around the world to debunk myths and stop the spread of misinformation. The supporting Educator’s Guide will give teachers engaging activities aligned to the ISTE Standards to continue the conversation with their students.”

Educators can learn more about these titles, including previewing an advance reader copy of one of the titles, as well as the partnership between Capstone and ISTE at https://www.capstonepub.com/iste. Here, educators can also access a free Cyber Sleuths Educator’s Guide with discussion questions and activities tied to the ISTE Standards, a framework for using technology to support learning.

In addition to Cyber Sleuths, Capstone will release hundreds of new titles this fall, including nonfiction books, picture books, early reader books, chapter books, Spanish books, and graphic novels. Capstone interactive eBooks are available for a one-time fee, or districts and schools can add to their PebbleGo package for a discounted price.

More about Capstone

Capstone is the nation’s leading educational publisher of K-5 digital solutions, children’s books, and literacy programs for school libraries, classrooms, and at-home reading. Through print books, interactive eBooks, or the curriculum-connected learning tool PebbleGo™, Capstone has a passion for inspiring students to learn and their communities to thrive. As a publisher of content for children, Capstone embraces the responsibility to celebrate and share the diverse voices and perspectives of our readers and communities. Capstone supports great teaching and learning with engaging content that values the work that educators do every day—helping students succeed. CapstonePub.com #LearningIsForEveryone

If you’re going to ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate innovation in education through the smart use of technology. ISTE sets a bold vision for education transformation through the ISTE Standards, a framework for rethinking education and creating innovative learning experiences. ISTE hosts ISTELive, one of the world’s most influential education events, and offers a wealth of professional learning opportunities focused on innovation in education.