Bomb: The Race to Build -- and Steal -- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the nonfiction Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon, a 2013 Newbery Honor Book, gives a detailed, suspenseful account of developing the first atom bombs, and the consequences of inventing and dropping The Bomb that effectively ended World War II and led to the Cold War/arms race between the United States and Russia. Author Steve Sheinkin explores the complex events, individuals, and political attitudes that came into play. This book will interest tweens and teens with more than a passing interest in chemistry and/or physics, World War II, and the Cold War. The author does not shy from describing the ravages of war in graphic detail: People are shot and drowned, and many thousands are killed and wounded when cities are bombed. Adults in this book drink alcohol and smoke, but that barely registers in this context.
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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?
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
- Author: Steve Sheinkin
- Genre: History
- Topics: STEM, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: September 4, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 15
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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