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A review by lslanker
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
5.0
Countdown is one of the most unique books I've ever read, and certainly the most engaging historical fiction book I've read. Interspersed with actual quotes from JFK, Dr. King, and other leaders of the time, the book brings to life the fear and anticipation of living in the early 1960s. While the focus is on the Cuban Missile Crisis, the book also delves a bit into the sit-ins and protests that took place during the revolutionary time of 1962 and 1963.
The book is incredibly visually appealing, with full-page pictures and quotes sprinkled throughout. The song "Duck and Cover" is woven into different scenes of the book, and creates an ominous undertone in thinking about what little power we have when faced with nuclear threat. I believe the book is better read with some background information about the 1960s, and students new to the time period might not pick up on many of the more subtle hints at the trouble that was brewing. However, this is a powerful and engaging book for those are are reluctant to read historical fiction, especially because of the turbulent time period it covers.
The book is incredibly visually appealing, with full-page pictures and quotes sprinkled throughout. The song "Duck and Cover" is woven into different scenes of the book, and creates an ominous undertone in thinking about what little power we have when faced with nuclear threat. I believe the book is better read with some background information about the 1960s, and students new to the time period might not pick up on many of the more subtle hints at the trouble that was brewing. However, this is a powerful and engaging book for those are are reluctant to read historical fiction, especially because of the turbulent time period it covers.