Aliens Are Coming!: The True Account Of The 1938 War Of The Worlds Radio Broadcast

by Meghan McCarthy

Hardcover, 2006

Call number

E M

Publication

Knopf Books for Young Readers (2006), 40 pages

Description

Account of the practical joke that fooled American radio listeners and made Orson Welles famous.

User reviews

LibraryThing member MSblast
Teach students about the media's social responsiblity by discussing this true account of the "War of the Worlds" 1938 radio broadcast. As a joke, broadcasters acted out parts of H.G. Wells "War of the Words" and people believed it to be really happening! I really like the illustrations in this
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book. This book can also open up discussions about how practical jokes can go too far.
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LibraryThing member sckimmel
The true story of the broadcast that frightened a nation is introduced with a reminder that radio reigned before television. The illustrations alternate black and white to show people in the 1930s and their reactions while imaginative visions of aliens and their spaceships are full color.
LibraryThing member derbygirl
I really liked this book, as I am already a big fan of Orson Welles and "War of the Worlds'. This book lends itself to a variety of teaching avenues- WWII, society in the 30's, history of the radio, playwrights and authors, writing a play, revising it for radio...the list can go on and on. I think
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if you were to pursue these avenues, it would be more suitable for an older grade(2nd?); though I believe first graders would enjoy the story as well. Even Kindergarteners would like it if you could be dramatic enough in your read. I enjoyed how the author/illustrator brought the words from the radio to life with color. When the announcer on the radio was the central part of the story, the illustrations have color. All other times the illustrations are in black and white. I especially like the picture in the diner that displayed a sign reading " two eggs and French toast 25 cents"! We certainly couldn't find prices like that today! The author effectively introduces young readers with a direct dialog prior to the opening story explaining how in the thirties, instead of families sitting in front of the television, they would gather by the radio. At the end of the book there are several pages that could be explored with a teacher surrounding the history of the broadcast, history of Welles and Well's relationship as professionals, and the effects of similar broadcasts through out history. There is also a statement on the effect that WWII was having on the country at that time and how it could've fueled the nation's hysterical reaction to a Halloween prank.
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LibraryThing member RayJones63
Radio broadcasters tell the story of War of the Worlds over the radio on Halloween day in 1938. The people all over the world become extremely alarmed and start panicking. Come too find out that it was all a hoax. The radio broadcasters were pulling a joke.
LibraryThing member mapalumbo
After reading Sharon Ruth Gill’s comments about this book, I had to get my hands on it. When I read this book, I could not picture modern day society creating a panic from a story like this. The author’s notes tell that the original broadcast included several announcements that this was a play,
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but the listeners believed it to be true. Creating a panic like this today would likely lead to legal action (and fame).

The illustrations are big, fun, and inviting. The back cover acts as an advertisement that entices you inside to read the whole story. Inside the book, the change from black and white to color was a brilliant way to switch from what was actually taking place to what was being broadcast. My favorite page has a rich purple smoldering out of a wooden box radio.

The author uses a bibliography of books and newspaper articles to provide accuracy his story. He includes other important related facts in his author’s note. Can you believe that a similar story led to arson and deaths? Other points of accuracy include the types of vehicles illustrated as well as the menu prices in the diner.

This is a great, enjoyable nonfiction book with something to be learned for adults and children.
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Awards

Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee — Picture Book — 2009)
Georgia Children's Book Award (Finalist — Picturebook — 2011)
Chickadee Award (Nominee — 2008)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — Nonfiction — 2008)

ISBN

0375935185 / 9780375935183

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