Countdown

I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Wiles does a fantastic job of integrating real events, quotes, speeches, posters, and interviews into a fictional story. In this book we learn about Franny and her family living in a time when nuclear attacks could be any second. Schools practice atomic bombing drills much like the lockdown drills of today. Infused into her story are actual reports from President John F. Kennedy, the Cuban Missle Crisis, and the conflict with Russia. And how is a 12 year old supposed to process all of this fear and world conflict while still trying to be a child? Throughout the story, we learn so much about Franny and her family, and how each of them is dealing with the constant threat around them. The story is so detailed and explosive that it is hard to believe it is fiction. But the nonfiction intertwined within each chapter makes the story come alive that much more. This is a great way for readers to enjoy not just a cross genre novel but learn important history from the early 1960s in a way that is interesting and captivating. There were many chapters where you will want to keep reading to see how Franny is going to deal with the many obstacles that come her way as well as the obstacles that are threatening the world around her!