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Cold War on Maplewood Street
Cold War anxieties play out in a sensitively told story set during the Cuban missile crisis in the 1960s, perfect for fans of Gary Schmidt and Kristin Levine.
Joanna can’t get over how her brother broke his promise to never leave like their dad did. Sam is thousands of miles away on a navy ship, and no matter how often he sends letters, Joanna refuses to write back. When she makes a promise, she keeps it.
But then President Kennedy comes on TV with frightening news about Soviet missiles in Cuba—and that’s where Sam’s heading. Suddenly Joanna’s worries about being home alone, building up the courage to talk to a cute boy, and not being allowed to go to the first boy-girl party in her grade don’t seem so important. Maybe sometimes there are good reasons to break a promise.
The tense timeline of the Cuban missile crisis unfolds alongside a powerful, and ultimately hopeful, story about what it means to grow up in a world full of uncertainty.
Joanna can’t get over how her brother broke his promise to never leave like their dad did. Sam is thousands of miles away on a navy ship, and no matter how often he sends letters, Joanna refuses to write back. When she makes a promise, she keeps it.
But then President Kennedy comes on TV with frightening news about Soviet missiles in Cuba—and that’s where Sam’s heading. Suddenly Joanna’s worries about being home alone, building up the courage to talk to a cute boy, and not being allowed to go to the first boy-girl party in her grade don’t seem so important. Maybe sometimes there are good reasons to break a promise.
The tense timeline of the Cuban missile crisis unfolds alongside a powerful, and ultimately hopeful, story about what it means to grow up in a world full of uncertainty.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2015
4 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 16, 2014
Wow! Gaye Rosengren does it again! She has this incredible way of writing a historical MG novel that is relatable to kids today. COLD WAR ON MAPLEWOOD STREET takes place during the scary time in US history when the Russians set up missiles in Cuba and aimed them at the United States. We were so close to being involved in a nuclear war that our entire nation was gripped by this crisis. The Cuban Missile Crisis what a HUGE deal, but not something that many kids know about.
A rich, deeply touching story of family and friendship amidst a national crisis. Highly recommend!
The cover: Beautiful and relates to the book with the boat and the letter it's made from. Perfect!
What deeply impressed me about this book?
1. We get a solid understanding of what the experience was like while the Joanna talks about her difficulties with her mom, her relationship with her brother Sam, and her crush on a boy. These things are so relatable, that the history blends in and you forget you're reading about a MGer in the 1960s. The contemporary feel is a definite plus!
2. I love the teachers and how they are "real" in their actions/behavior. It's was so cool to read about Home Ec. I think MGers will get a kick out of learning about the classes Joanna took at school.
3. Joanna's brother Sam is in the Navy and on the front lines during the crisis. Her fears for her brother are so relatable for anyone who's had a friend, family member or acquaintance who has served in the US Armed Forces today. So well done!!
4. I love the letters back and forth between Sam and Joanna. They add a richness to the story that kids will love.
5. Adults are presented with their own hopes and fears. Joanna's best friend goes through issues that reflect the same issues kids face today. This too, adds a richness to this novel.
6. The crush is so realistic and relatable. Not overdone or overblown. It's subtle and not obnoxious. It's middle grade swoon!
7. The old neighbor Mrs. Strenge is quite the character. She adds great interest to the story. Who doesn't have someone like this living in their neighborhood? With a cat! Loved it.
8. The air raid drills in the middle school were very realistic. Sadly, kids will be able to relate to this because they have drills in case a gunman comes into their school. Different times, very similar drills and fears.
9. I loved the description of the bomb shelter Joanna set up and what took place in the grocery stores - a run on food supplies.This happens today before a hurricane or horrible storm, perhaps not too this extent, but definitely something that kids can understand.
Overall, COLD WAR ON MAPLEWOOD STREET is a must for anyone who reads middle grade, teaches middle grade, or is a middle grade librarian.
Thank you so much to Putnam for the review copy!
A rich, deeply touching story of family and friendship amidst a national crisis. Highly recommend!
The cover: Beautiful and relates to the book with the boat and the letter it's made from. Perfect!
What deeply impressed me about this book?
1. We get a solid understanding of what the experience was like while the Joanna talks about her difficulties with her mom, her relationship with her brother Sam, and her crush on a boy. These things are so relatable, that the history blends in and you forget you're reading about a MGer in the 1960s. The contemporary feel is a definite plus!
2. I love the teachers and how they are "real" in their actions/behavior. It's was so cool to read about Home Ec. I think MGers will get a kick out of learning about the classes Joanna took at school.
3. Joanna's brother Sam is in the Navy and on the front lines during the crisis. Her fears for her brother are so relatable for anyone who's had a friend, family member or acquaintance who has served in the US Armed Forces today. So well done!!
4. I love the letters back and forth between Sam and Joanna. They add a richness to the story that kids will love.
5. Adults are presented with their own hopes and fears. Joanna's best friend goes through issues that reflect the same issues kids face today. This too, adds a richness to this novel.
6. The crush is so realistic and relatable. Not overdone or overblown. It's subtle and not obnoxious. It's middle grade swoon!
7. The old neighbor Mrs. Strenge is quite the character. She adds great interest to the story. Who doesn't have someone like this living in their neighborhood? With a cat! Loved it.
8. The air raid drills in the middle school were very realistic. Sadly, kids will be able to relate to this because they have drills in case a gunman comes into their school. Different times, very similar drills and fears.
9. I loved the description of the bomb shelter Joanna set up and what took place in the grocery stores - a run on food supplies.This happens today before a hurricane or horrible storm, perhaps not too this extent, but definitely something that kids can understand.
Overall, COLD WAR ON MAPLEWOOD STREET is a must for anyone who reads middle grade, teaches middle grade, or is a middle grade librarian.
Thank you so much to Putnam for the review copy!
August 3, 2015
Cold War on Maplewood Street highlights a time period that isn't common in the genre of historical fiction. I was intrigued from the very beginning because I have read few books focused on the Cuban missile crisis. The author excellently balances narrative and history in this engaging, thought-provoking text. Joanna is a strong girl who is ashamed of the way she treated her brother when he left for war. She makes a realistic mistake and tries to work through her emotions regarding her treatment of her brother and also the frightening events of war. There are many concepts for teachers to draw upon in this text--family, friendship, war, and fear, to name a few--and teachers will find this text offers rich opportunities for classroom discussion.
Teachers might consider using this text to ask students to examine their regrets. Students could begin by closely examine characters that have regrets. Who are they? Do their regrets impact others? Then, the students could consider world leaders or pop culture to consider regrets that famous people might have and how these regrets impacted their lives. Finally, the students might journal to make connections with the text by examining mistakes they have made or regrets they hold in their personal lives.
Teachers might consider using this text to ask students to examine their regrets. Students could begin by closely examine characters that have regrets. Who are they? Do their regrets impact others? Then, the students could consider world leaders or pop culture to consider regrets that famous people might have and how these regrets impacted their lives. Finally, the students might journal to make connections with the text by examining mistakes they have made or regrets they hold in their personal lives.
June 8, 2018
Another marvelous Middle Grade book from this terrific author, Gayle Rosengren (WHAT THE MOON SAID, 2014 JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION and ILLINOIS READS selection). As w/ MOON, just a model of terrific MG fiction, beautifully written and structured, with an incredibly interesting, lovable, and complex main character (Joanna), and an engrossing and spot-on story-line capturing the essence of being a 12 year-old during one of the scariest (and most significant) weeks in American & World History (the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. SHOULD BE PERFECT FOR USE BY TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS---not only for a perfect reflection of a young person's experience during this or any serious national crisis, but as a powerful lesson on the importance of communication in life, whether it be in the context of a national or international crisis or in the complex lives of young people, their families, and their friends/neighbors, whether during such a crisis or in their daily lives. As with MOON, I read this book twice and loved it even more the second time. Kudos to Gayle Rosengren for another perfectly-written & utterly fascinating MG novel.
September 11, 2015
I highly recommend COLD WAR ON MAPLEWOOD STREET by Gayle Rosengren (author of WHAT THE MOON SAID) for elementary and middle school teachers to use in class in interdisciplinary studies--language arts and social studies. The topic is the 1961 Cuban Missile crisis from the viewpoint of a 12-yr.-old girl in Chicago whose brother is in the navy. It is accessible in language and content for elementary, fourth grade and up. This is a must-have book for libraries, too. But, in my opinion, a guided reading in classrooms would give the opportunity not just for an enjoyable read, but for discussions about the threat of war for any decade. In this age of global community and ready access to world news, it can be a scary place for children. COLD WAR ON MAPLEWOOD STREET is the best book I've read for sensitive and rational talks about this issue.
[Disclosure: I am a former high school teacher. I bought this book from B&N.]
[Disclosure: I am a former high school teacher. I bought this book from B&N.]
October 29, 2015
Once again Rosengren has created unforgettable characters whose lives allow history to come to life on the page. For a generation of young readers who have lived with ongoing wars, who may have siblings, parents, neighbors or friends serving in war zones, this book will be a revelation.
I held my copy after receiving it, wanting to read it during the weeks of the actual CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS in 1962. At that time I could have been in the same classroom as her characters, living with the same adolescent concerns, thrown into the same terrifying fears about the nuclear clock ticking seconds away from "midnight".
If you don't know what that means, this is a book that will bring it all to life, with heart and relationships and plot that will make the experience as unforgettable to you as it is to me. Then investigate the history, too. Please, read her book, sooner rather than later.
I held my copy after receiving it, wanting to read it during the weeks of the actual CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS in 1962. At that time I could have been in the same classroom as her characters, living with the same adolescent concerns, thrown into the same terrifying fears about the nuclear clock ticking seconds away from "midnight".
If you don't know what that means, this is a book that will bring it all to life, with heart and relationships and plot that will make the experience as unforgettable to you as it is to me. Then investigate the history, too. Please, read her book, sooner rather than later.
August 6, 2016
Joanna is angry with her brother for leaving her to join the military. But when she learns about the Cuban Missile Crisis and that her brother is on a ship near Cuba as part of the blockade she becomes worried and decides she must forgive him and write to him and try to prepare herself and her mom for possible nuclear war. Along the way, she learns some valuable lessons about courage and friendship, facing your fears and not judging others by their outward appearance.
October 20, 2015
This is a wonderful book about the Cuban Missile Crisis from the point of view of a 12-year-old living through it. As a woman that lived through it when I was 16, I know that it captured the feeling of that week to a tee. We had an air raid drill without warning that week too and it was one of the scariest moment of my life.
September 1, 2015
This is a story about family, emotional ties and broken promises.
Twelve-year-old Joanna Maxwell is very upset at her older brother enrolling in the navy at a time she no longer had a Dad in her life and (unknown to her) on the eve of the Cuban missile crisis.
I loved the raw and poignant emotions described in the book. I felt angry, shameful, and loving right along with Joanna. It was sometimes heart tugging and a little funny to watch Joanna deal with coming of age emotions and attitudes toward her mom.
Although I wasn't around at the time of the crisis, the fear and panic the characters in the book experienced felt real, so I can't imagine how someone who knows more about it will feel.
As usual Gayle Rosengren's writing is on point. She writes historical fiction that's relatable to her audience even if you are from a different generation. She was already a favorite author and this book sealed it.
Twelve-year-old Joanna Maxwell is very upset at her older brother enrolling in the navy at a time she no longer had a Dad in her life and (unknown to her) on the eve of the Cuban missile crisis.
I loved the raw and poignant emotions described in the book. I felt angry, shameful, and loving right along with Joanna. It was sometimes heart tugging and a little funny to watch Joanna deal with coming of age emotions and attitudes toward her mom.
Although I wasn't around at the time of the crisis, the fear and panic the characters in the book experienced felt real, so I can't imagine how someone who knows more about it will feel.
As usual Gayle Rosengren's writing is on point. She writes historical fiction that's relatable to her audience even if you are from a different generation. She was already a favorite author and this book sealed it.
January 3, 2016
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=7489
What I think Ms. Rosengren does so well in this book is tell a real story with a piece of history as the backdrop. This is a Cold War/Cuban Missile Crisis story, but that isn’t what the book is all about. This book is about Joanna, her family, and her best friend. Her characters are very real and show the real emotions that must have been running through so many peoples’ veins during this tense time. Because of how well this book is crafted as a narrative within a historical time period, I believe it would be a great introduction to this time period for middle grade readers. Many will have never heard of the Cold War or Cuban Missile Crisis, so learning about it through Joanna’s story is perfect.
What I think Ms. Rosengren does so well in this book is tell a real story with a piece of history as the backdrop. This is a Cold War/Cuban Missile Crisis story, but that isn’t what the book is all about. This book is about Joanna, her family, and her best friend. Her characters are very real and show the real emotions that must have been running through so many peoples’ veins during this tense time. Because of how well this book is crafted as a narrative within a historical time period, I believe it would be a great introduction to this time period for middle grade readers. Many will have never heard of the Cold War or Cuban Missile Crisis, so learning about it through Joanna’s story is perfect.
April 6, 2021
Meh..
A nice way of broaching the topic of the Cuban missile crisis with young people, but I always dislike when you are reading something and can't connect with the main character. I didn't connect with Joanna at all. Yes, she had a lot to deal with and knowing how pre-teen girls can be, I understand that fickle moods are to be expected. But her character just wasn't nice... She seemed selfish and whiny, and disrespectful.
Also, this dealt with parents leaving, a friend's mom having an affair as a married woman and leaving her family forever, and Joanna and her friend get hold of a very racy romance novel that they read and discuss together. Just throwing these issues out for young readers, parental discretion may be wise.
A nice way of broaching the topic of the Cuban missile crisis with young people, but I always dislike when you are reading something and can't connect with the main character. I didn't connect with Joanna at all. Yes, she had a lot to deal with and knowing how pre-teen girls can be, I understand that fickle moods are to be expected. But her character just wasn't nice... She seemed selfish and whiny, and disrespectful.
Also, this dealt with parents leaving, a friend's mom having an affair as a married woman and leaving her family forever, and Joanna and her friend get hold of a very racy romance novel that they read and discuss together. Just throwing these issues out for young readers, parental discretion may be wise.
October 19, 2016
Insightful look at a brief but intense event in history: the Cuban Missile Crisis. Many young readers may be totally unaware of this event, but they will likely identify with the fear Joanna and the other characters in the book felt when their lives were overtaken with terror. This book showed how tragedy can bring out the best or the worst in people, and how tragic events really put things in perspective. This would make for a great class discussion book.
September 7, 2015
Well-written young adult novel about a 6th grade girl's life during the week of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Besides learning about a time not often written about-there were also a lot of life lessons within for a young reader. Recommend for 6th grade and up. Will read more from this author. Cover art was perfect for this book.
September 6, 2015
Having lived through air raids and the fear of a nuclear war, I could relate to Joann. Young readers will realize that communicating their fears, as Joann does, will help them cope. Excellent book for the classroom.
November 7, 2015
But I'm not sure of the audience appeal. Quiet gem. Lots of use in the classroom.
October 12, 2015
This story perfectly captures the intensity of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a fear-filled period in American history that many of today's children do not know.
December 26, 2015
A book that depicts the emotions of a child during the week of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This is the first MG book I've read during this time period.
September 4, 2017
Cold War on Maplewood Street by Gayle Rosengren is a great book! It was easy to relate to the characters for young readers. Joanna and her family were left by their dad when she was younger. Her brother, Sam, decided to enlist in the navy, and leaves her and her mother alone. Joanna's mother is going to school and working at the same time, so she is barely home. Joanna hears about missiles Cuba wants to fire at America and does not know how to deal with this information knowing her brother is on a ship that is involved with this crisis. This book journey's through her life of how she deals with this at home and at school. The books strengths was definitely pulling readers in with shorter chapters and putting important details in each of them. It also had significant details about all the events throughout the book. The books main weakness would have to be the ending, it leaves you questioning what happens. There were many times throughout the book where there were references to what a family should look like and what is normal by comparing families. In the book Joanna describes Pamela's family by saying "Pamela didn't realize how lucky she was to have a fun mom who was home all the time, and a nice dad, too." Gayle referenced in the book as well "If only Joanna's father were responsible, like Mr. Waterman, their lives would be very different." There are so many times in life when people compare what they have, wear, and do to other people. Instead of comparing yourself to others, think of the positives of what you have, wear, and do for other people. I really liked how this book contradicted what Joanna thought was a normal family. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was relatable, factual, and engaging. The age recommendation I would give this book is ages 8-12 years old or anywhere between 3rd grade to 7th grade.
May 25, 2018
When her brother-who promised he wouldn't leave her like their father did-joins the navy, Joanna views it as a betrayal. He writes her letters every week but she promised him she'd never write back because he lied to her. When his ship is on the front lines during the Cuban missile crisis, Joanna realizes he is in real danger, and she has a change of heart. Joanna is very believable and likable, as are her friends and family. The scary neighbor adds suspense, the boy with a horse adds a little crush interest. Sweet story with real life issues.
December 22, 2023
a nubile aspires to attend a party to show of her trainer, mom thinks not due to fears of a sausage party. her pops skipped, her bro is in the navy, oh, and there is the cuban missle crisis? she has a scooby doo-like neighbor, and a pooch whose name may require a trigger warning.
her best friend's family goes to pieces? words reused.
her best friend's family goes to pieces? words reused.
May 29, 2018
The children really enjoyed it, but they preferred the author's other book What the Moon Said. I wasn't too thrilled with the narrator. Overall, it was a cute story that portrayed the terror of the Cuban Missile Crisis from the perspective of a young girl.
June 12, 2020
A great story about the missile crisis. I loved reading about these characters.
April 25, 2025
Great middle grade book. Appropriate for 5-6th graders. Good book to teach kids about the Cuban missile crisis.
January 11, 2017
Review Also Here: https://goo.gl/jfTmy5
This book is short so why not write a short and sweet review? I liked this book but it wasn’t what I thought it would be, and when I say that I mean it was more of a middle-grade book then a young adult book. Other then that I really enjoyed this book. Joanna’s brother is in the navy and Joanna feels that he broke his promise to her about not leaving her so she promised not to talk to him. As tensions with the Cuban missile crisis rise Joanna starts to worry about her brother. Joanna was a good main character she was a regular girl she went to school worried about her family and a co-ed party. I love reading historical fiction, because it gives you a feel for how things were during that time. I love how this book ended and how kind Joanna is and how she thinks of things to try to make other people comfortable during this time as well as herself. I would recommend this book, after I got over the fact that it wasn’t a young adult book I read it in a few days.
This book is short so why not write a short and sweet review? I liked this book but it wasn’t what I thought it would be, and when I say that I mean it was more of a middle-grade book then a young adult book. Other then that I really enjoyed this book. Joanna’s brother is in the navy and Joanna feels that he broke his promise to her about not leaving her so she promised not to talk to him. As tensions with the Cuban missile crisis rise Joanna starts to worry about her brother. Joanna was a good main character she was a regular girl she went to school worried about her family and a co-ed party. I love reading historical fiction, because it gives you a feel for how things were during that time. I love how this book ended and how kind Joanna is and how she thinks of things to try to make other people comfortable during this time as well as herself. I would recommend this book, after I got over the fact that it wasn’t a young adult book I read it in a few days.
January 3, 2016
Really cute middle grade book about a week in our nation's history that I really didn't know much about: The Cuban Missile Crisis. The author did a great job of making the 1960s come to life and Pamela's fears over her brother, her country, her crush, the crazy old neighbor, and not being able to go to a party felt so right. A very short, easy, but important book. Would definitely use this in the classroom.
November 21, 2015
Sensitive and realistic portrayal of a young girl's hopes and fears during the week of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Lots of possible ties to history/social studies curriculum-politics, changing roles of women, challenges facing military families, even changes in what foods are popular. An excellent story about the power of acknowledging and addressing fears.
August 20, 2020
Joanna is a character many young readers will relate to, even if they don't have a firm handle on the Cold War era. In any historical novel, a little background knowledge goes a long way, but even lacking that, this quiet and compelling novel will keep readers engaged. Grades 4-7.
March 29, 2016
Joanna's brother Sam enlisted with the Navy, she and her mom live alone in Lincoln Park during the Cold War. John F. Kennedy is dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the United States is on guard with fears of nuclear attack from Russia.
March 12, 2018
Would have been better as a memoir.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2018/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2018/comm...
August 11, 2016
I didn't like it at all and mean I'm not all in the past but all this book is about is war and president Kennedy and the navy. I really am not a person who is in to that kind of stuff
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October 12, 20171st book I’ve read on the Cold War. Interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews