Awards

• Commended for Golden Kite (Older Readers) 2019
• Commended for Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (Children's Book) 2019
• Commended for Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award 2019

Overview

"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. 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."

Full Product Details

9781629797762

Table of Contents

Reviews

â Notable nonfiction author Jarrow (Fatal Fever, 2015) sets the stage...(w)ith intriguing details, complemented by rarely seen archival photos and illustrated scenes from Wells' original story...highlighting elements used to heighten the tension. Numerous and astounding reactions to the panic...are also described. Although interesting in its own right, the author extrapolates on this phenomenon, comparing it to today's fake news controversy. Ensuing freedom of the press debates and a sampling of modern-day social media hoaxes extend the theme. An enriching bridge that connects history with current events. -Booklist, starred review â In an era of alternative facts and fake news, telling the story of the infamous 1938 radio broadcast that convinced thousands of Americans a real-time Martian invasion of Earth was occurring could not be timelier. In a finely detailed narrative nearly as riveting as the broadcast...Jarrow deftly connects history to current events by comparing the phenomenon to contemporary fake-news controversies and ongoing freedom-of-press debates. Attractively designed, the text is complemented with archival photos of the broadcast and illustrated scenes from Wells' original story. A grippingly told story that adeptly makes history fascinatingly relevant to the present. - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Notable nonfiction author Jarrow (Fatal Fever, 2015) sets the stage...(w)ith intriguing details, complemented by rarely seen archival photos and illustrated scenes from Wells' original story...highlighting elements used to heighten the tension. Numerous and astounding reactions to the panic...are also described. Although interesting in its own right, the author extrapolates on this phenomenon, comparing it to today's fake news controversy. Ensuing freedom of the press debates and a sampling of modern-day social media hoaxes extend the theme. An enriching bridge that connects history with current events. -Booklist, starred review

Author Information

GailJarrow's books have earned many awards, including theYALSAAward forExcellencein Nonfiction for Young Adults,a SibertHonor,OrbisPictusHonor,YALSAAward for Excellence in Nonfiction finalist, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book,NSTAOutstanding Science Trade Book and Best STEM book, The Jefferson Cup Award, a Eureka! Gold Award, as well asKirkusReviews and School Library Journal Best Books andVOYAHonor Book distinctions. She lives in Ithaca, New York.Visitgailjarrow.com.

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