Countdown by Deborah Wiles
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.21, 2012, under Bullying, Girl Drama, Historical Fiction, Mental Health, ORCA, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? Readers, 5th grade and up, who like entertaining and moving stories told from 1st person and especially fans of historical fiction from the 1960s would like this book.
Why? It’s the summer of 1962, and 11-year-old Franny Chapman is dealing with a lot. She has major family problems since her mentally unbalanced uncle lives with her family that also includes a sensitive little brother, an independent older sister, a high-strung mother, and a father who is away most of the time on Air Force business. She also has major problems with friends since her best friend Margie has decided to move up to other, more popular friends. On top of these problems, the Soviet Union has just installed missiles in Cuba, threatening the United States with nuclear attack. As President Kennedy and Krushchev stare each other down, Franny must practice “duck and cover” as she tries to duck trouble but somehow always finds trouble. She tells her story in an authentic voice that brings the daily life of this period alive, and the result is a story that is entertaining, informative, and so moving that it made me cry. The addition of vintage photographs, news items, speeches, song lyrics, and advertisements complements Franny’s story, giving a fuller sense of the time.
The details: 377 pp. 2010 Review by Samrarian
