Countdown
Countdown
Book Brief
Beta394
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1960s
2010
YA
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
Countdown by Deborah Wiles is a historical novel set during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It follows an eleven-year-old girl named Franny Chapman as she navigates the challenges of growing up amidst the fears of nuclear war, family tensions, and friendship dynamics. The story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the impact of historical events on everyday life.
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
11,096 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Countdown by Deborah Wiles is praised for its engaging blend of historical fiction and documentary-style elements, offering a vivid depiction of the 1960s Cold War era. Readers appreciate its immersive narrative and authentic character development. However, some criticize its pacing and heavy inclusion of historical documents, which may distract from the storyline.
Who Should Read Countdown?
Readers who enjoy Countdown by Deborah Wiles are typically middle-grade students interested in the 1960s Cold War era, similar to fans of The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt. They appreciate historical fiction with a personal touch, engaging with stories that blend history with coming-of-age narratives.
11,096 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Countdown is the first book in a trilogy by Deborah Wiles known as "The Sixties Trilogy," which combines fiction with documentary-style elements like photographs and historical documents to enhance the storytelling.
The book is semi-autobiographical, drawing on Wiles's own experiences growing up during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
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Countdown was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2010 in the Young People's Literature category, highlighting its critical acclaim and significance.
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394
Novel • Fiction
Washington, D.C. • 1960s
2010
YA
8-12 years
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