Publisher’s Description
In this nonfiction title for young readers ages 10 to 14, acclaimed author Gail Jarrow explores in riveting detail the famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast from 1938; she highlights the artists behind the broadcast, the broadcast itself, the aftermath, and the repercussions of “fake news” today.
On the night of October 30, 1938, thousands of Americans panicked when they believed that Martians had invaded Earth. What appeared to be breaking news about an alien invasion was in fact a radio drama based on H. G. Wells’s War of the Worlds, performed by Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre players. Some listeners became angry once they realized they had been tricked, and the reaction to the broadcast sparked a national discussion about fake news, propaganda, and the role of radio. In this compelling nonfiction chapter book, Gail Jarrow explores the production of the broadcast, the aftermath, and the concept of fake news in the media.
Rebecca P’s Thoughts
Spooked! has received five starred reviews and for good reason–it is a seriously good book. Jarrow does an amazing job of setting the scene prior to the start of the broadcast so by the time we start “listening” to the radio program, we feel the tension and understand how reactions could have spiraled the way they did for some people and communities. One of my favorite elements is that she included the script of the show in its entirety as is, then followed that with something like a slow-motion reenactment of what was happening across America as the program progressed. It reads like a film documentary, making it very accessible and riveting.
The wealth of additional resources is fantastic–including links to audio of the broadcast! Spooked! is a fascinating read that challenges us to think about our own responsibility in processing information we hear, no matter the source. Timely, interesting, and important.
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Gail Jarrow is the author of many popular nonfiction books, including Red Madness, Fatal Fever, and Bubonic Panic.
Her nonfiction books have earned the YALSA Award Nomination for Excellence in Nonfiction, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, Outstanding Science Trade Book, a NSTA Best STEM book, the Jefferson Cup Award, the Eureka! Gold Award, an Orbis Pictus Recommendation, as well as Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal Best Books and VOYA Honor Book distinctions.