Written by Todd Strasser
This story takes place in 1962. As the country prepares for nuclear war, Scott’s dad is the only one to build a bomb shelter in his yard. When the siren goes off, Scott’s family is safe, until the neighbors pry their way in as well. How will they all survive when there is barely enough food and water for 4 people? What about bathing and using the toilet? What else has been overlooked? As tempers flare and hunger and fatigue set in, Scott wonders if dying underground is any worse than dying above ground.
Alternating chapters tells of life in the shelter and life prior to the bomb, how people acted and interacted before.
The story was very suspenseful and well written. I couldn’t put it down. Every scenario of what happened and could have happened during the Cuban Missile Crisis is analyzed. The background and history of the time is explained well.
While this book is written on about a 4th grade reading level, the content makes it unsuitable for that age group. I would recommend it for 7th grade and above. There are several mature topics and plenty of controversial subjects as well.
Review by Terrie Bishop, Academy Park Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 7 and Up
Author Website: www.toddstrasser.com
Fallout Discussion Guide and Teacher Resources: http://hisheulb.wix.com/fallout
Fallout
Written by Todd Strasser
Candlewick Press
258 pages
Release Date: September 10, 2013
ISBN: 9780763655341 (hardcover)
