Spooked!
How a Radio Broadcast and The War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America
by Gail Jarrow
Archie Comic Publications (Trade) 2018
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- media literacy
- mass hysteria
- power of storytelling
- misinformation and rumors
- technology and society
- critical thinking
- journalism and ethics
- American history
About this book
On the night of October 30, 1938, a realistic radio drama convinced many listeners that Martians were invading, sparking panic across parts of the United States. Gail Jarrow unpacks how Orson Welles’s broadcast of The War of the Worlds created confusion, how rumors spread, and what the public and press did next. Packed with photos, primary sources, and sidebars, the book shows how media works and why critical thinking matters. It’s an engaging read for middle schoolers who like true stories, history, and the science of “fake news.”
Setting: United States, 1938; the Golden Age of radio
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spooked! right for my child?
Yes — Spooked! is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.6, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include media literacy, mass hysteria, power of storytelling.
How long does it take to read Spooked!?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Spooked! takes around 3.3h to finish. The book has 35,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Spooked! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Spooked! has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Spooked!?
Spooked! has an AR reading level of 7.6, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.