Examines the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the Cold War standoff in which the United States and the Soviet Union--and the world--narrowly escaped nuclear war.

When an unthinkable nuclear attack occurs in an alternate-reality 1962, Scott is forced into his father's bomb shelter with his family and neighbors, where they rapidly consume limited supplies and fear the worst about the fate of the world outside.

Contains speech excerpts, meeting notes, letters, and personal reminiscences that provide insight into the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a thirteen-day period in which the world stood on the brink of nuclear disaster.

The words nuclear war strike fear into the hearts of people all over the world. Movies and books depict the apocalyptic aftermath of such an event. While fictitious accounts may not be totally accurate, in October 1962, the United States came perilously close to finding out the reality of such a catastrophe during the Cuban Missile Crisis. For thirteen days, the country teetered on the verge of nuclear war. Through engaging text, accompanied by dynamic...

The fearful events of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis are witnessed by 11-year-old Franny, who finds her life and perspectives changing throughout the course of a week that is also marked by difficult family issues.