Parents' Guide to

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

By Barbara Schultz, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Complex, suspenseful story of developing The Bomb.

Book Steve Sheinkin History 2012
Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Emma D.
Emma D. Adult
January 26, 2018
age 12+

Careful

Our very precocious nearly-8 yr-old is very into science. His uncle's a physics prof. He was really into this book. But it was way to much for him to handle at his age and images of people dying have been stuck in his head...we should have known better.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
rkovacs
rkovacs Adult
August 29, 2013
age 12+

Great for classrooms

There is also a literature unit based on this book for teachers. It is geared toward high school English or social studies classes and is based on Common Core standards. It can be found at Curriculum Aids or on Amazon.

This title has:

Educational value
Too much violence
See all 2 parent reviews

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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