Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781629797762)

A Washington Post Best Children's Book

This book for young readers explores in riveting detail the false panic created by the famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast from 1938--as well as 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.

Author: Gail Jarrow
ISBN-10: 1629797766
ISBN-13: 9781629797762
Publisher: Calkins Creek Books
Language: English
Published: 08/07/2018
Pages: 144
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.60lbs
Size: 10.10h x 8.40w x 0.60d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.2
Point Value: 4
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 199708 / Spooked! How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America

Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Honor Book
Award: Golden Kite - Honor Book

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 06/01/2018 pg. 106
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2018 - Book Of Special Distinction
Booklist 06/01/2018 pg. 64
Publishers Weekly 06/18/2018
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2018 pg. 95
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2018 pg. 108
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2019 - Superior,Well Above Average