This Is Not a Drill

“Fast-paced, suspenseful thriller. . . . The hours-long standoff comes to a dramatic and violent climax. . . . A vividly depicted and gripping tragedy.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The setup is irresistible, and McDowell’s authentic handling of the confusion and fright of the class of first-graders lends the story a constant undertone of tension. . . . Fans of Todd Strasser and Paul Volponi will relish it.”—Booklist

“What makes this story stand out are the discussions between Emery and the gunman, who is suffering from PTSD. . . . . McDowell balances the gunman’s plight against his son’s shame, fear, and divided loyalties. Written in a format that will appeal to reluctant readers . . . an excellent choice for sparking classroom discussion.”—School Library Journal

“A well-imagined and tragic story with surprising characters and an unforgettable climax. It’s hard to believe this was written by a first-time novelist.”—Todd Strasser, author of Give a Boy a Gun

“This is Not A Drill grabs you at the very start. This is a well-imagined and tragic story with surprising characters and an unforgettable climax. It’s hard to believe this was written by a first-time novelist.”—Todd Strasser, author of Give A Boy A Gun

“Ripped from the headlines. . . . Fast-moving story that will keep the reader’s attention with bits of humor to lighten the mood. McDowell excels in depicting the voices of the teenage narrators, the first-graders, and a soldier suffering from PTSD.”—Library Media Connection