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Description edit
It's 1962, and it seems everyone is living in fear. Twelve-year-old Franny Chapman lives with her family in Washington, DC, during the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Amidst the pervasive threat of nuclear war, Franny must face the tension between herself and her younger brother,... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Characters/People edit
- Franny Chapman: Franny is the main character in Countdown.
- Uncle Otts: Uncle Otts is Franny's uncle who is stuck replaying WWII in his head. In the beginning of the book, Franny is a little embarrassed by him, but learns to love him and his faults as the book goes on.
- Jo Ellen: Jo Ellen is Franny's big sister. Throughout the course of the book, Franny feels like Jo Ellen is distancing herself from the family.
- Drew: Drew is Franny's little brother, and she often refers to him as a saint or as "Mr. Perfect." He is never seen without the book "Our Friend the Atom."
- Chris Cavas: Chris Cavas is Franny's "love interest." He moved away but then moves back partway through the book.
- Margie: Margie is Franny's best friend. She and Franny have some tough times as the book progresses.
- Jackie: dog
- Mrs. Rodriguez: Franny's teacher
- John Kennedy: President of the United States of America
- Mr. Mitchell: Add a description of this character.
- Gale Hoffman
- Lannie
- Pete
- Judy James: 'tone-deaf' classmate of Franny's
- Miss Mattie
- Harry
- Bobby
- Carol
- Mrs. Scharr
- Mrs. Gardener
- Denise Dubose
- Chairman Khrushchev
- Tom West
- Jimmy Epps
- Phil
- Francine
- Fannie Lou
- John Glenn
- Marilyn Monroe
Quotes edit
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“A hero can be afraid, but a hero never runs away.”
Uncle Otts -
“It's not the calamity that's the hard part. It's figuring out how to love one another through it - that's the hard part. Or maybe that's the easy part. I don't know yet.”
Franny Chapman -
“The secret of not being afraid is figuring out what scares you”
Franny Chapman -
“Every atom in my body is alive and tingling with a delicious feeling I can't describe. It's beyond fear. It is, in this moment...bliss. And knowledge, because I know something, in this moment, that I may never know again: In this moment, I am afraid of nothing.”
Franny Chapman
First Sentence edit
I am eleven years old, and I am invisible.
Series & Lists edit
This book is in The Sixties Trilogy. (standard series)
Authors & Contributors edit
- Deborah Wiles (Author)
First Edition edit
Original Language: Add the language.
Publisher: Add the publisher.
Country: Add the country of publication.
Publication Date: Add the publication date.
ISBN: Add the ISBN.
Page Count: 385
Publisher: Add the publisher.
Country: Add the country of publication.
Publication Date: Add the publication date.
ISBN: Add the ISBN.
Page Count: 385
Awards edit
- Georgia Children's Book Award (Finalist, 2011-12: Chapter Book)
- Sakura Medal (Finalist, 2012)
Subjects edit
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