What do you think?
Rate this book
Trending: How and Why Stuff Gets Popular
Fads and trends: How do they start? Why do they spread? And how deep can their impact be? Although trends might seem trivial, if you dig deeper, you’ll find that our desire to chase the next big thing can have an even bigger impact than expected.
Established middle-grade author Kira Vermond and cartoonist Clayton Hanmer team up in this fun and accessible nonfiction look at fads. In four short chapters, the book explores what a fad is, how the latest crazes catch on, and what makes us jump on the bandwagon. Finally, it looks at the fascinating and even frightening effects of fads both modern and historic. Who knew the beaver pelt craze in 17th century Europe would change ecosystems, start wars, and disrupt life as people knew it?
Comic-strip illustrations, an upbeat tone, and reader-friendly text make this a fun and timely tool for young readers who are building critical-thinking skills in the age of fake news and a world gone viral.
Established middle-grade author Kira Vermond and cartoonist Clayton Hanmer team up in this fun and accessible nonfiction look at fads. In four short chapters, the book explores what a fad is, how the latest crazes catch on, and what makes us jump on the bandwagon. Finally, it looks at the fascinating and even frightening effects of fads both modern and historic. Who knew the beaver pelt craze in 17th century Europe would change ecosystems, start wars, and disrupt life as people knew it?
Comic-strip illustrations, an upbeat tone, and reader-friendly text make this a fun and timely tool for young readers who are building critical-thinking skills in the age of fake news and a world gone viral.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published March 15, 2020
1 person is currently reading
134 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 26, 2019
Examples of trends in this book include Crocs, Pokemon Go, Hula Hoops, Hobble Skirts, baby names, anti-vaccination movement, quinoa, Starbucks Unicorn Frap, Beanie Boos, slime, Nazi propoganda, the Stock Market Crash of 1929, Mona Lisa, the Payola Scandal, anesthesia, and Fondue.
Topics covered: supply/demand, dopamine, individualism, exposure effect, STEPPS, investors, information cascades, stocks, Robert Zajonc, scarcity, advertisements, mania, sunk cost fallacy, progoganda
Independent reading level 8 years old-11 years old.
Ch. 1 (p.6-15) "What Makes a Fad a Fad?- How seemingly random toys, games, and fashion turn into the NEXT BIG THING", Ch. 2 (p.16-25) "Spread The Word- How fads and the ideas and feelings that drive them spread and catch fire", Ch. 3 (p.26-35) "Made, Not Born- How some fads are carefully crafted to make us want to jump on board", Ch. 4 (p.36-45) "Bad Fads- How fads can have serious and even dangerous effects", Conclusion p. 46, Index p. 48, Selected Sources p.48
My Thoughts:
Trends, fads, and popularity cannot always be proven using science or economics alone. This book takes into account other elements that can help provide popular trends. For example, it notes that sometimes trends start just by word of mouth.
However, trends do not always stem from one single cause; and instead of providing the different and various reasons that provoked the trend, it only focuses one one solid reason behind each trend. For example, this book contributes the popularity of fondue as a result of Swiss advertisements alone. Rather than involving other factors, fondue is stated to have been a trend solely because of Swiss ads. But, I can see that by keeping it simple allows it to be more comprehensible for kids. In order for kids to understand easily, these are surface level explanations.
Thank you to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.
Topics covered: supply/demand, dopamine, individualism, exposure effect, STEPPS, investors, information cascades, stocks, Robert Zajonc, scarcity, advertisements, mania, sunk cost fallacy, progoganda
Independent reading level 8 years old-11 years old.
Ch. 1 (p.6-15) "What Makes a Fad a Fad?- How seemingly random toys, games, and fashion turn into the NEXT BIG THING", Ch. 2 (p.16-25) "Spread The Word- How fads and the ideas and feelings that drive them spread and catch fire", Ch. 3 (p.26-35) "Made, Not Born- How some fads are carefully crafted to make us want to jump on board", Ch. 4 (p.36-45) "Bad Fads- How fads can have serious and even dangerous effects", Conclusion p. 46, Index p. 48, Selected Sources p.48
My Thoughts:
Trends, fads, and popularity cannot always be proven using science or economics alone. This book takes into account other elements that can help provide popular trends. For example, it notes that sometimes trends start just by word of mouth.
However, trends do not always stem from one single cause; and instead of providing the different and various reasons that provoked the trend, it only focuses one one solid reason behind each trend. For example, this book contributes the popularity of fondue as a result of Swiss advertisements alone. Rather than involving other factors, fondue is stated to have been a trend solely because of Swiss ads. But, I can see that by keeping it simple allows it to be more comprehensible for kids. In order for kids to understand easily, these are surface level explanations.
Thank you to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.
July 2, 2020
Fantastic resource for teaching critical literacy skills.
February 13, 2021
Really enjoyed this one! Lots of trends/fads covered, including crocs, Starbucks unicorn drink, hula hoops, Beanie Babies, and slime. Chapters explain how fads are created and spread, and illustrations are engaging. Lots for readers to learn! The conclusion challenges readers to reflect on how they can use advertising buzz and idea pushing to make the world a better place. Index and sources also included.
November 8, 2019
Trying to explain how certain things become hype/popular/trending. It was okay I guess, but can't say I really get anything out of it, maybe I was too old, it was obviously intent for younger readers, teens or young adult, not badly done, but just not enough depth to the explanation for me!
March 8, 2020
Trending : How and Why Stuff gets Popular by Kira Vermond, illustrated by Clayton Hanmer, NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK Owlkid Books, 2020. $18. 9781771473255
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
What is a trend or a fad? It's when something gets really popular - but it doesn't last for long - the faster its rise to trend, the quicker its descent. Through fads like Pokemon Go!, Crocs, the Hula Hoop and Beanie Babies, Kira Vimond tells the stories, describes why it's important and what happened to make it popular or stop it short.
I found this so interesting and nostalgic - I remember most of these fads (ok, not the theft of the Mona Lisa, Beaver Hats, or Hobble Skirts.) Clayton Hanmer's cartoon illustrations are really funny. After telling the story of the popular item, Vimond would describe what happened in a section called "What does it all mean?" There we learned about the research, psychology or economics behind it all. Very up to date, includes Starbucks Unicorn Frappucino (2017). Not all the fads are good things - the vaccination debate and Nazi Propaganda are both covered. Includes sources and an index.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
What is a trend or a fad? It's when something gets really popular - but it doesn't last for long - the faster its rise to trend, the quicker its descent. Through fads like Pokemon Go!, Crocs, the Hula Hoop and Beanie Babies, Kira Vimond tells the stories, describes why it's important and what happened to make it popular or stop it short.
I found this so interesting and nostalgic - I remember most of these fads (ok, not the theft of the Mona Lisa, Beaver Hats, or Hobble Skirts.) Clayton Hanmer's cartoon illustrations are really funny. After telling the story of the popular item, Vimond would describe what happened in a section called "What does it all mean?" There we learned about the research, psychology or economics behind it all. Very up to date, includes Starbucks Unicorn Frappucino (2017). Not all the fads are good things - the vaccination debate and Nazi Propaganda are both covered. Includes sources and an index.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
September 25, 2020
I often turn to books written for kids as a way to get succinct and interesting information in easy-to-read packages. This book does not disappoint. It covers many topics that follow the rise and fall of both good trends and very bad ones to show how we can so easily get caught up in fads. From Crocs, to streaking, to fondue, how the Mona Lisa became the most popular piece of art in the world, to Nazi propaganda and more. A fun an informative read that I highly recommend.
Although fad or not, I still love fondue.
Although fad or not, I still love fondue.
January 16, 2020
What is a trend or a fad? It's when something gets really popular - but it doesn't last for long - the faster its rise to trend, the quicker its descent. Through fads like Pokemon Go!, Crocs, the Hula Hoop and Beanie Babies, Kira Vimond tells the stories, describes why it's important and what happened to make it popular or stop it short.
I found this so interesting and nostalgic - I remember most of these fads (ok, not the theft of the Mona Lisa, Beaver Hats, or Hobble Skirts.) Clayton Hanmer's cartoon illustrations are really funny. After telling the story of the popular item, Vimond would describe what happened in a section called "What does it all mean?" There we learned about the research, psychology or economics behind it all. Very up to date, includes Starbucks Unicorn Frappucino (2017). Not all the fads are good things - the vaccination debate and Nazi Propaganda are both covered. Includes sources and an index.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
I found this so interesting and nostalgic - I remember most of these fads (ok, not the theft of the Mona Lisa, Beaver Hats, or Hobble Skirts.) Clayton Hanmer's cartoon illustrations are really funny. After telling the story of the popular item, Vimond would describe what happened in a section called "What does it all mean?" There we learned about the research, psychology or economics behind it all. Very up to date, includes Starbucks Unicorn Frappucino (2017). Not all the fads are good things - the vaccination debate and Nazi Propaganda are both covered. Includes sources and an index.
For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!
March 23, 2021
This book is FABULOUS! I was looking for nonfiction read aloud for my son who's 7 that would also interest me. It's 48 pages and there's a lot of text on each spread, which I initially worried might be too much or not paced well. I was wrong! The writing is lively, fun, and perfectly crafted. The illustrations amp up the humor and helped us absorb the concepts. The anecdotes and examples also build from the silly/comical toward trends with more dire consequences, but the book finishes with an uplifting spread about how to use what you've learned to do good in the world! LOVE!
As an adult, if you've enjoyed the pop psychology books like Thinking Fast and Slow or Predictably Irrational and the like, you'll enjoy this book. For kids, I think it's critical that we arm them with the ability to spot fads and trends and to think critically about them. This book delivers. It's thought provoking, and I was entertained from start to finish.
As an adult, if you've enjoyed the pop psychology books like Thinking Fast and Slow or Predictably Irrational and the like, you'll enjoy this book. For kids, I think it's critical that we arm them with the ability to spot fads and trends and to think critically about them. This book delivers. It's thought provoking, and I was entertained from start to finish.
November 16, 2020
This book explains propaganda, while the page before preaches that going against a vaccine is "downright dangerous." This is incredibly ridiculous information to spread to our youth. Teach them to research vaccines and it's ingredients for themselves, not to follow the "medical fads." Further, no information in this section is cited in her "selected sources" section. I was more disturbed to find that the author is a journalist. Our youth needs to learn to research for themselves, not rely on going along with the crowd.
September 21, 2020
-cartoonish and inviting
-very well explained "bad fad" section, especially concerning farming and fascism
-very approached about selected resource section
-short index but a very well developed table of contents.
-each chapter begins with a comic book panel intro, and they're all very informative and funny
-wide age appeal
-its section on supply and demand is what I wish I would have read in econ
-very well explained "bad fad" section, especially concerning farming and fascism
-very approached about selected resource section
-short index but a very well developed table of contents.
-each chapter begins with a comic book panel intro, and they're all very informative and funny
-wide age appeal
-its section on supply and demand is what I wish I would have read in econ
October 20, 2020
Introduces fads, how they are created and spread, and their negative effects. From the beaver pelt trade of the 1700s to Pokemon Go, a variety of historic and modern fads are explored and even adults will learn a thing two. For grades 4 and up.
January 15, 2021
This book will appeal to lots of readers. The layout is funky and the tone is a good mix of informative and fun. I think kids will enjoy reading about funny fads from the past and not even realize that they are getting lessons in economics and propaganda.
November 21, 2021
Trending How and Why Stuff Gets Popular is something I’d never given much thought. I learned information I never knew I needed to know that will serve as useful content. I highly recommend reading Trending How and Why Stuff Gets Popular.
November 21, 2019
Earc from netgalley.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy getting to learn about new topics with more of a graphic novel format. It was fine, just not one of my favorites.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy getting to learn about new topics with more of a graphic novel format. It was fine, just not one of my favorites.
July 14, 2020
i like it because it talked about long a ago things and how things got popular and it was very educational.
August 13, 2020
I like the mix of high-interest facts with background info and charts and graphs.
January 6, 2021
A very interesting and informative book about how fads begin and end, and how customers can be manipulated by industries to get new trends started.
January 16, 2021
This was a fun read! I’d love to see this book in classroom libraries and read by kids across the country.
January 24, 2021
This is FANTASTIC. Entertaining and accessible way to introduce kids to the risks of fads and why "trending" isn't always such a great thing.
January 29, 2021
Really enjoyed this one. Would be great to use during media literacy lessons.
March 1, 2021
Lots of interesting information. I expected the book to focus on current fads, but no, the author also included many historical fads as well.
June 17, 2021
Loved it! Fascinating nonfiction that gets kids thinking.
September 22, 2021
Fun non-fiction book about very topical issues! Love the section on hula-hoops!
November 17, 2022
An informative and fun book explaining different fads and the psychology/economics behind them. Fascinating!
January 25, 2025
This was very interesting. It is the book I need to present to 5th grade next week. I think they will learn alot from it.
December 31, 2020
Fun and interesting read. Like a journey back through time highlighting many popular trends that readers can relate to because they have lived through them.
January 3, 2021
Very accessible, kid-friendly look at fads, trends, and marketing.
June 17, 2020
As adults we usually know when we are being marketed to. Now even though we know better there are still times we want the product anyway. When the commercial wins sometimes we are conscious of it and sometimes not. Children on the other hand have yet to figure that out. This story goes hand in hand with teaching them about marketing, trends, and getting them to understand what's popular today might not be popular tomorrow. Ahem, scrunchies I'm talking to you. The book starts with kid relatable products like Pokemon Go and Hula Hoops then transitions into heavy topics like anti-vaxxing and Nazi propaganda. Trending is written in the new style of nonfiction with short text, colorful images, friendly layouts but takes it a step further with a "But First" comic page before every chapter. This book is vital in this day and age where consumers are voluntarily marketing for companies without compensation in hopes of social media fame. Our children are idolizing these people. Which is why the overuse of exclamation points along with the use of authorial intrusion is ideal for grabbing kid's attention. The strategies presented in this book to identify fads will keep this book on the shelf long after the trends have been forgotten.
September 14, 2021
A cursory look at fads and trends for kids. Covers supply and demand; exposure effect; STEPPS, information cascades; and propaganda. There are many examples of historical/recent fads...but that did make it feel a little scattered to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews