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codellreads's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting as an adult, not sure how engaging younger readers would find the text. I did appreciate the connections made to hoaxes and fake news in modern times. There was a good "More to Explore" section at the back for readers who wanted to dig deeper.
hrmason's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent non-fiction book for 6-9 grade. Easy to read and follow without being childish or condescending.
t_higgsreviews's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.75
2.75 Stars
I was really interested in finding out about the story about what happened in reaction to the Orson Welles radio play adaption of War of the Worlds so thought this middle-grade would be perfect. Unfortunately even as an adult I found it quite dry and uninspiring. It jumped about in tangents quite a lot (starting the night the play broadcast, then jumping back to when Orson was born is just one example). I also felt that it had too much filler information, especially considering the book's target age range. I wouldn't have been able to finish this if I had read it at 8 years old because the writing was so dry. I did appreciate the photographs, the timeline and the "More to Explore" section though.
I was really interested in finding out about the story about what happened in reaction to the Orson Welles radio play adaption of War of the Worlds so thought this middle-grade would be perfect. Unfortunately even as an adult I found it quite dry and uninspiring. It jumped about in tangents quite a lot (starting the night the play broadcast, then jumping back to when Orson was born is just one example). I also felt that it had too much filler information, especially considering the book's target age range. I wouldn't have been able to finish this if I had read it at 8 years old because the writing was so dry. I did appreciate the photographs, the timeline and the "More to Explore" section though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Panic attacks/disorders
eythana's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Spooked by Gail Jarrow is a nonfiction narrative telling of a true event that took place in October of 1938, when a radio broadcast essentially threw the U.S. into temporary turmoil through a dramatic radio adaptation of a popular novel. Many people believed that the broadcast was sharing events in real time, despite the writers' deliberate placement of inaccurate time stamps throughout the evening that should have signaled its fictitiousness, as well as announcements at the beginning, forty minutes in, and at the end that stated this clearly. Jarrow pieces together the script of the show with accounts from the voice actors, directors and writers, listeners, and news outlets who later reported on the scare. She blends these with clear descriptions and a narrative arc that we follow from before the show is even an idea, describing the lives of the two primary minds behind it, to long after it airs, examining the longer term effects that the broadcast had.
The book feels like it is intended for readers of ages somewhere between nine and upper teens. It does feel very heavily informational in a lot of places, but Jarrow attempts to break up long sections of text with illustrations and photos. As a whole, it is definitely relating a story, but some wordy sections could make the reader feel a bit lost in details.
A primary theme of the entire story is people's gullibility and willingness to except a truly preposterous narrative. Many people actually believed that extraterrestrials from Mars had landed on earth and were set on destroying everything. Some viewers said they could smell the smoke that the broadcasters described, citing it as proof of the claim's reality. Many people were extremely upset by how realistically they felt the story was portrayed. One letter to Orson Welles, the voice actor playing a prominent role in the show, said, "If what I think of you would ever take effect it would burn you up to a cinder. Hopeing never to hear from you again." Another letter sent to the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission, read, "CBS program of last evening most abominable hoax ever perpetrated on American public." Others were amused and shocked that anyone could have believed such a far-fetched story. There was a large group which thought it was just proof of how susceptible Americans were to propaganda of any kind, which was particularly frightening considering the direction in which Hitler was taking Germany. The American people were accustomed to hearing talk of war, and a few even thought that the radio program had got it wrong, and this was actually Hitler attacking the U.S.
Jarrow describes all of this in a way that would be interesting to the child who is willing to spend more than a few minutes reading or being read to, particularly if they have any interest in history. It captures a particular moment in a unique way, and could certainly entertain the curious child or teen. The issues that are discussed as far as the general public's willingness to believe things that are presented to them has certainly only worsened in subsequent decades, and is still some thing we are decidedly battling against.
The book feels like it is intended for readers of ages somewhere between nine and upper teens. It does feel very heavily informational in a lot of places, but Jarrow attempts to break up long sections of text with illustrations and photos. As a whole, it is definitely relating a story, but some wordy sections could make the reader feel a bit lost in details.
A primary theme of the entire story is people's gullibility and willingness to except a truly preposterous narrative. Many people actually believed that extraterrestrials from Mars had landed on earth and were set on destroying everything. Some viewers said they could smell the smoke that the broadcasters described, citing it as proof of the claim's reality. Many people were extremely upset by how realistically they felt the story was portrayed. One letter to Orson Welles, the voice actor playing a prominent role in the show, said, "If what I think of you would ever take effect it would burn you up to a cinder. Hopeing never to hear from you again." Another letter sent to the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission, read, "CBS program of last evening most abominable hoax ever perpetrated on American public." Others were amused and shocked that anyone could have believed such a far-fetched story. There was a large group which thought it was just proof of how susceptible Americans were to propaganda of any kind, which was particularly frightening considering the direction in which Hitler was taking Germany. The American people were accustomed to hearing talk of war, and a few even thought that the radio program had got it wrong, and this was actually Hitler attacking the U.S.
Jarrow describes all of this in a way that would be interesting to the child who is willing to spend more than a few minutes reading or being read to, particularly if they have any interest in history. It captures a particular moment in a unique way, and could certainly entertain the curious child or teen. The issues that are discussed as far as the general public's willingness to believe things that are presented to them has certainly only worsened in subsequent decades, and is still some thing we are decidedly battling against.
bookdreamer's review against another edition
3.0
Spooked is a nonfiction book exploring the events around the 1938 radio broadcast that caused a minor panic. Many people mistook the realistic broadcast as reporting actual events and believed the nation was under attack from Martians for the better part of the hour. The book discusses the life of the man behind the broadcast, the events leading to its creation, what happened during the broadcast across the United States, and the aftermath.
The detail the book provides along with historical pictures, diagrams, and an eye-catching design provide a through exploration of the topic. I've heard of this broadcast before but didn't know the facts on how it affected the nation. It was interesting to hear how it affected the producers after the fact. The book suggests it's possible the media blew up how greatly people panicked, although there were definitely people who believed in the "War of the Worlds." The first-hand account of people who reacted to the invasion, such as driving to the scene of the landing only to discover nothing is there, paints the story in a realistic light. Overall, Spooked! is an informative read on a unique phenomenon.
The detail the book provides along with historical pictures, diagrams, and an eye-catching design provide a through exploration of the topic. I've heard of this broadcast before but didn't know the facts on how it affected the nation. It was interesting to hear how it affected the producers after the fact. The book suggests it's possible the media blew up how greatly people panicked, although there were definitely people who believed in the "War of the Worlds." The first-hand account of people who reacted to the invasion, such as driving to the scene of the landing only to discover nothing is there, paints the story in a realistic light. Overall, Spooked! is an informative read on a unique phenomenon.
cosbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Very clever account of the War of the Worlds broadcast. It hooks you in thinking it is a story of the "mass hysteria" and reveals itself to be a thoughtful exploration of misinformation and gullibility of the public.
allisonbsk's review
3.0
My daughter and I read this book for our local book club. We have enjoyed reading the story behind the radio broadcast as well as the repercussions that followed afterwards. I found the book to be very informative, if a little long winded and repetitive in places. It was very interesting to read and learn more about this piece of history, I thought. The pictures, the variety of info shared, and all the notes at the end added to the interest level for me. A very enjoyable read.
amdame1's review
3.0
The story of the partnership between Orson Welles and John Waterhouse and their reading/presentation of War of the Worlds on the radio on 1938 and how it induced panic among the American population. I have often heard about this and wondered how it was possible; this made that more clear. Very interesting read. I liked that there are "links" so I can listen to recordings of the broadcast. I also like that they connect it to the idea of fake news. Good layout and use of colors. Quite a few primary source black and white photos. It also made me want to read the original HG Wells story. Very well researched with source notes, timeline, explanations of things students today might not understand, section of more to explore, author's note, selected bibliography, index, picture credits.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars