Fallout

Fallout by Todd Strasser, 258 pages

Scott’s dad has built a bomb shelter, just in case the Russians decide to start a nuclear war. Several people in the neighborhood think he’s crazy, but when the worst happens, they have nowhere else to go. Now there are ten people in a space built for four and those ten are faced with the knowledge that most of their friends, neighbors, and other family members are probably dead. Told from Scott’s perspective 6th grade perspective, this is a very realistic tale about what might have happened if the Cuban Missile Crisis had ended with war. A very good story for about 4th to 6th grade, kids who like realistic, survivalist stories that focus on relationships will love this book.

From Norvelt To Nowhere

From Norvelt To Nowhere by Jack Gantos, 278 pages

In this sequel to Dead End in Norvelt, Jack and Miss Volker are still trying to track down Spizz, poisoner of old ladies and the man hopelessly in love with Miss Volker.  When Eleanor Roosevelt dies, Jack is elected to help Miss Volker take a trip to see her gravesite.  Little does he know that it will turn into an adventure of epic proportions, with Miss Volker chasing down Spizz to try to kill him.