Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America by Gail Jarrow
Published by Calkins Creek Books on August 7th 2018
ISBN: 1629797766
Pages: 144
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The author gives the detailed steps to the broadcast that shook the world and how the story was delivered that had listeners believing that unbelievable was truly happening. The way the broadcast was delivered had many feeling that considerable time had elapsed, when in actuality it had only been mere minutes. Jarrow also explains why this broadcast was so famous and some of the changes it brought to radio and the people that became famous because of it. Further discussion later in the book, covers hoaxes of the past  and how this should be a lesson with today’s forms of communication.

Well documented and the illustrations portray the story  of an alien invasion and are strategically placed throughout. There are also photos of Orson Welles and the members of the Mercury Theater and other important individuals that are  mentioned. Also included are snippets of some of the telegrams that were sent to either CBS or the FCC  after the broadcast   — some are damning and others are quite humorous.

There is a TOC, index, extensive bibliography and source notes. Good addition to the stacks for reference and fun. Recommend for grades 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School