One of today's lucky commenters will receive:
* A Countdown branded canvas tote and copy of the book!
* 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!
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!
to see who the lucky winner is!
This sounds like a fascinating book - I know almost nothing about that period of history. Thanks for doing the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAnd I see you're reading Shiver, which is making its way to the top of my TBR list. :)
Sounds really interesting! Definitely want to read it.
ReplyDeleteI love the era of this book. Sounds very intriguing. Great review and an awesome giveaway. Definitely going on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
I have heard this is a great read and I adore the cover.
ReplyDelete(To answer your question about the JD book: not yet.)
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.)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really neat book!!! Thanks for sharing a bit about it!!!
ReplyDeleteooohhh loving this synopsis...plus the author is a southern girl- gotta love that! ;o)
ReplyDeleteWOULD love to win this one!
Visit My Kingdom Anytime
I live in the US! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteObviously I can't enter since I do not have a US postal address, but it does sound like an awesome book.
ReplyDeleteomg omg omg this sounds awesome!! I WANT! :D
ReplyDeleteyou're RIGHT, this does sound amazing (I am a fan of the cover too).
ReplyDeleteI've seen this one and really would like to read it. Please count me in!
ReplyDeleteteresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com
Yes--definitely something I now want to read. Sounds very interesting :-) Thanks for bringing it to our attention...
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing buzz about this book. Your review was great. It was nice to hear some specifics. I'm excited to read this. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like my kind of book. Thanks for promoting it.
ReplyDeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book. I'm international but I'll add it to my TBR oile. :)
ReplyDeleteoooh that sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to add to my list of books to read (or maybe i'll get lucky...)
This is on my wish list!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
This sounds like a great book. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is awesome. I'm old enough I remember listening to 45's! They were my older sisters' but still...
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book hubby would love. Thanks for sharing!
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!
ReplyDeleteI love the premise of this book. What a unique idea! I'll keep my fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteMarissa
I won't be entering, but it sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a documentary novel. I'm very curious. What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteOh, 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!
ReplyDeleteHF 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)...
ReplyDeleteOh 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up, Shannon!
I'm not actually here. I'm just dropping off the new address for my site. Its thoughtsbylilahpierce.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI love history, and I've never heard of this one. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteSounds fun! I love the cover :)
ReplyDeletePS, I do so hope you decide to try Jane :)
Sounds really interesting! Definitely want to read it.
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