Aliens Are Coming!
on Goodreads (328)
What’s inside...
This book tells the true story of the 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds that convinced the nation Martians were invading. It explores the power of media, the nature of panic, and the thrill of adventure. It was an ordinary night in October of 1938 until a news bulletin interrupted the dance music on CBS radio–aliens were invading the United States! Meghan McCarthy’s hilarious Aliens Are Coming! tells the true story of the Halloween radio prank that duped much of the country into believing that Martians had invaded. The book uses excerpts from the actual War of the Worlds radio broadcast and includes information about the importance of radios in the 1930s (before the time of televisions and computers) as well as facts about Orson Welles and H. G. Wells, author of the novel on which the broadcast was based.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like if aliens visited our planet?
How do the people in the book react to the idea of aliens coming, and what would you do in their situation?
Why do you think the author chose aliens as characters in the story? What makes them interesting?
Can you think of any other books or movies where aliens visit Earth? How are those aliens similar or different from the ones in this book?
What did you learn about how people communicate and share news in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use varying tones and voices for different characters to make the reading experience more engaging and fun.
Ask your child to draw their version of an alien before and after reading the book to see how their perception might change.
Encourage your child to think about what message they would send to an alien about Earth and humans if they had the chance.
Discuss the different emotions the book might evoke, such as excitement, fear, or curiosity, to help them explore and articulate their feelings.
Relate the story to real-life events where surprising news had significant impacts and discuss how people adapted or reacted to it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Curiosity
Explanation: In 'Aliens Are Coming!', the story encourages children to explore and ask questions about the unknown, as the characters delve into the idea of extraterrestrial life.
Real-World Application: Fosters an inquisitive mindset in children, encouraging them to learn more about the world around them and to not fear the unknown.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book showcases how characters analyze the idea of aliens visiting Earth, prompting kids to distinguish between fact and fiction.
Real-World Application: Helps children to evaluate information critically and not believe everything they hear immediately, making them more discerning in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Characters in the book communicate their thoughts and fears about the possibility of alien encounters, highlighting the value of expressing oneself.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to openly share their thoughts and feelings with others, aiding in their emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: As the community in the story comes together to face the imagined alien threat, teamwork is emphasized.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of working with others to solve problems, which is a valuable skill in school projects and other areas of life.