Parents' Guide to Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Book Steve Sheinkin History 2012
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Common Sense Media Review

Barbara Schultz By Barbara Schultz , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Complex, suspenseful story of developing The Bomb.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

 

 

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age 11+

Based on 4 kid reviews

 

 

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What's the Story?

Steve Sheinkin's BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD--AND STEAL--THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON offers a detailed, suspenseful story of developing the first atom bombs. The author reveals the complex events and ideas not only behind the invention and deployment of the first bombs, but also behind the Cold War and arms race. Included are accounts of research by Robert Oppenheimer and his team of scientists, the political climate during World War II, and spying by U.S., German and Russian operatives. Sheinkin also provides suitably horrific descriptions of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the bombing of Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 4 ):

Sheinkin successfully turns these many-faceted historical events and ideas into a suspenseful story. For tweens and teens who are interested in World War II, science and/or the Cold War, this is a fascinating, edu-taining read full of information and insight.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Robert Oppenheimer's changing attitude toward his research and invention. Why does he feel it's so important for the United States to develop the bomb, and why does he later speak out against further arms buildup.

  • How is this account of World War II resemble, or differ from, others you've seen or read?

  • What does author Steve Sheinkin mean when he says, "It's a story with no end in sight. And like it or not, you're in it"?

Book Details

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