Spooked!

Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the complex world of internet rumors, fake news, or the viral nature of social media. It provides a fascinating historical anchor for discussing why people are so quick to believe what they hear and how panic can spread like wildfire through a community. Gail Jarrow masterfully reconstructs the 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds, which convinced thousands of listeners that a Martian invasion was actually happening. Through archival photos and primary sources, the book explores themes of trust, media literacy, and the thin line between entertainment and reality. It is an essential tool for middle schoolers to develop the critical thinking skills needed to question the information they consume daily.