Bomb
Books | Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / 20th Century
4
(166)
Steve Sheinkin
Perfect for middle grade readers and history enthusiasts, New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin presents the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War in Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon. A Newbery Honor book A National Book Awards finalist for Young People's LiteratureA Washington Post Best Kids Books of the Year titleIn December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned three continents.In Great Britain and the United States, Soviet spies worked their way into the scientific community; in Norway, a commando force slipped behind enemy lines to attack German heavy-water manufacturing; and deep in the desert, one brilliant group of scientists was hidden away at a remote site at Los Alamos. This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.“This superb and exciting work of nonfiction would be a fine tonic for any jaded adolescent who thinks history is 'boring.' It's also an excellent primer for adult readers who may have forgotten, or never learned, the remarkable story of how nuclear weaponry was first imagined, invented and deployed—and of how an international arms race began well before there was such a thing as an atomic bomb.” —The Wall Street Journal“This is edge-of-the seat material that will resonate with YAs who clamor for true spy stories, and it will undoubtedly engross a cross-market audience of adults who dozed through the World War II unit in high school.” —The Bulletin (starred review)Also by Steve Sheinkin:The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & TreacheryThe Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil RightsUndefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football TeamMost Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam WarWhich Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward ExpansionKing George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American RevolutionTwo Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil WarBorn to Fly: The First Women's Air Race Across America
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Author
Steve Sheinkin
Pages
272
Publisher
Roaring Brook Press
Published Date
2012-09-04
ISBN
1596438614 9781596438613
Ratings
Google: 4.5
Community ReviewsSee all
"This is the only book by him I’ve ever read but the book is magnificent and on the future I’d like to read more books by him"
Parker Montee
"Allison Freeman<br/><br/>APA Citation:<br/><br/>Sheinkin, S. (2012). <i>Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon</i>. New York: Roaring Book Press<br/><br/>Genre: Informational<br/><br/>Format: Print<br/><br/>Selection Process: YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction (2013), Newberry Honor (2013), National Book Award Finalist (2012)<br/><br/>Kraus, D. (2012). Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon <i>Booklist, 109</i>(1), 100.<br/> <br/>Review:<br/><br/>Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon is all about the making of the atomic bomb, the spies and agents of the former Soviet Union sent to spy and steal the plans for the bomb and the revolutionaries that fought to keep the plans and ingredients out of the wrong hands. The book explains how the atomic bomb was made from the materials and chemicals needed to the type of casing needed to deliver the explosive. The book, at times, got quite technical when it came to the math, science and engineering of the first atomic bomb but it was all explained in a way that teens could easily pick it up and understand what it going on. The stories told within the pages of this book were primarily from the perspective of Soviet spy, Harry Gold, brilliant scientist and head of the notorious Manhattan Project J. Robert Oppenheimer and Norwegian resistance fighter Knut Haukelid. Harry Gold was an interesting character and the espionage that took play around this character was fascinating but it was nearly as exciting as the other two perspectives. J. Robert Oppenheimer was one of the most brilliant minds of his day and readers got a chance to learn much about this dynamic and important piece of the puzzle, which was the atomic bomb. Dr. Oppenheimer’s personality, achievements and involvement in the Manhattan Project were mesmerizing to read about and were truly enlightening. The best part of the book was the story of Knut Haukelid, his journey to Germany, his team’s successful mission in destroying the heavy water plant fueling Germany’s race to build their own atomic bomb. The scene where the team, led by Knut, is sneaking up to and into the plant was exciting and suspenseful making it impossible to stop reading. After reading this book, readers will know more about uranium, espionage, and the events surrounding the creation of the atomic bomb then ever before. Mr. Sheinkin created a masterfully done nonfiction novel that exquisitely chronicled the events, people, and actions, which led to the creation of “the world’s most dangerous weapon.” Highly recommend.<br/>"
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Allison Freeman
"Most nonfiction books I've come across can get a little dry because of the lack of plot. This book, however, keeps you hooked and entertained. Super interesting and easily understandable. Even though its written for middle schoolers, as an adult, it still is a great read."
Jenna Young
"I'm waiting to get the sequel, fallout "
R
Rivki