Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Countdown by Deborah Wiles + Contest


One of today's lucky commenters will receive:

* A Countdown branded canvas tote and copy of the book!


I can't tell you how cool this book is - seriously! The story takes place in 1962, a time of "Duck and Cover" drills and the Cuban Missile Crisis. The main character, Franny Chapman, is wonderful. I fell in love with her almost immediately.

My favorite thing about this book is the creative and incredible layout. Throughout the fictional story are real-life song lyrics, historical speeches, photographs, commercial snippets... it's positively wonderful! They refer to it as a documentary novel - which it is - but it doesn't have that "academic" feeling that turns many kids away from history.

I am calling this one a MUST READ for anyone interested in history, MG books, teaching with literature, or cultural literacy. This book is amazing - period!


About the book:

Countdown is the first in a new trilogy of "documentary novels" set in the
1960s- a fascinating historical documentary in a unique style and format.
Filled with photos, news clippings, and songs of the era, this novel tells
the story of Franny Chapman, an eleven-year-old girl living in Washington,
DC, set against the backdrop of one of the most politically and culturally
defining periods in history.

It's 1962, in the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the world
seems to be on the terrifying brink of nuclear war. But for Franny Chapman,
everyday life goes on. While doing "Duck and Cover" drills at school, Franny
must face tensions with her younger brother, and worry about her older
sister- is she a secret spy?- while learning to look beyond outward
appearances.

About the author:

Deborah Wiles is the author of National Book Award Finalist Each Little Bird
That Sings; as well as Love, Ruby Lavender; and The Aurora County All-Stars.
She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Additional Details:

Retail Value: Books are valued at $17.99 each.


Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a
United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they
have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail).

Stop by tomorrow
to see who the lucky winner is!

32 comments:

Susan Fields said...

This sounds like a fascinating book - I know almost nothing about that period of history. Thanks for doing the giveaway!

And I see you're reading Shiver, which is making its way to the top of my TBR list. :)

Janet Johnson said...

Sounds really interesting! Definitely want to read it.

Mason Canyon said...

I love the era of this book. Sounds very intriguing. Great review and an awesome giveaway. Definitely going on my wish list.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Jonathon Arntson said...

I have heard this is a great read and I adore the cover.

(To answer your question about the JD book: not yet.)

TerryLynnJohnson said...

this is the first I've heard of this book. I'll have to look for it, thanks! (since alas, I cannot win it here. Canuck.)

Unknown said...

Sounds like a really neat book!!! Thanks for sharing a bit about it!!!

Courtney Barr - The Southern Princess said...

ooohhh loving this synopsis...plus the author is a southern girl- gotta love that! ;o)

WOULD love to win this one!

Visit My Kingdom Anytime

Aubrie said...

I live in the US! Count me in!

Natasha said...

Obviously I can't enter since I do not have a US postal address, but it does sound like an awesome book.

Tahereh said...

omg omg omg this sounds awesome!! I WANT! :D

Christina Lee said...

you're RIGHT, this does sound amazing (I am a fan of the cover too).

Teresa said...

I've seen this one and really would like to read it. Please count me in!

teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com

Kenda Turner said...

Yes--definitely something I now want to read. Sounds very interesting :-) Thanks for bringing it to our attention...

Lisa_Gibson said...

I've been hearing buzz about this book. Your review was great. It was nice to hear some specifics. I'm excited to read this. :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

This sounds like my kind of book. Thanks for promoting it.

Anonymous said...

It's on my wish list. I like the description and the era it covers. Thanks for hosting this contest. I'd like to be counted in, and I'm a U.S. resident.

Lindsay said...

Sounds like a great book. I'm international but I'll add it to my TBR oile. :)

Sarah Ahiers said...

oooh that sounds awesome!
I'll have to add to my list of books to read (or maybe i'll get lucky...)

Anonymous said...

This is on my wish list!!!!!

Thank you for the giveaway.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great book. Thank you for the giveaway!

Vicki Rocho said...

The cover is awesome. I'm old enough I remember listening to 45's! They were my older sisters' but still...

Sounds like a book hubby would love. Thanks for sharing!

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

History is yummy. But usually only to a small portion of people. When someone manages to make it intriguing for kids, Like Deborah Wiles, it seems to me they must be very special indeed. Thanks for the recommendation! And what a great contest!

Martina Boone said...

I love the premise of this book. What a unique idea! I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Marissa

Jemi Fraser said...

I won't be entering, but it sounds like a great book!

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of a documentary novel. I'm very curious. What a great idea!

B.J. Anderson said...

Oh, how awesome! I'm glad I stopped by! Even if I don't win it, it's going on my The List. Thanks for the review!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

HF is my thing...It sounds like this H reads like an HF. :) I'll be keeping an eye out at B & N for it (if I don't win)...

Stephanie Thornton said...

Oh my gosh! I taught five sections of U.S. history last year and will have 4 this year. This book is right up my alley!

Thanks for the heads up, Shannon!

Lilah Pierce said...

I'm not actually here. I'm just dropping off the new address for my site. Its thoughtsbylilahpierce.blogspot.com

Myrna Foster said...

I love history, and I've never heard of this one. Thanks for the recommendation!

Tales of Whimsy said...

Sounds fun! I love the cover :)

PS, I do so hope you decide to try Jane :)

prashant said...

Sounds really interesting! Definitely want to read it.
Banner Advertising Network India

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...