Bomb : The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
Author(s): 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 Literature
A Washington Post Best Kids Books of the Year title
In 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 & Treachery
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Which Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About Westward Expansion
King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution
Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War
Born to Fly: The First Women's Air Race Across America
Review(s):
“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.” —BCCB, starred
“...reads like an international spy thriller, and that's the beauty of it.” —School Library Journal, starred
“[a] complicated thriller that intercuts action with the deftness of a Hollywood blockbuster.” —Booklist
“A must-read…” —Publishers Weekly, starred
“A superb tale of an era and an effort that forever changed our world.” —Kirkus, starred
Winner NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade (2013), Long-listed Maine Cream of the Crop Master List (2013), Long-listed Kansas William Allen White Award Master List (2014), Long-listed Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year (2013), South Carolina Children's Book Award Master List (2014), Long-listed TN Volunteer State Book Award Primary ML (2014), Long-listed Maine Student Book Award Master List (2014), ME Cream of the Crop Master List (2013), Long-listed Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award ML (2014), Winner Robert F. Sibert Award - Medal (2013), BCCB Recommended Title (2012), Long-listed OR Battle of the Books Master List (2014), Long-listed Oklahoma Sequoyah YA Book Award ML (2015), Commended Newbery Honor Book (2013), Arizona Grand Canyon Young Readers Master List (2015), Winner Virginia Jefferson Cup Winner (Older Readers) (2013), VA Jefferson Cup Winner (Older Readers) (2013), Long-listed Indiana Young Hoosier Award Master List (2014), Short-listed National Book Awards - Finalist (2012), Oklahoma Sequoyah Young Adult Book Award Master List (2015), Long-listed Arizona Grand Canyon Young Readers Maste (2015), Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Maser List (2014), Long-listed Illinois Rebecca Caudill YR Choice Award ML (2015), Long-listed South Carolina Children's Book Award ML (2014), Long-listed Tri-State Reviews Committee Books of Note - Master List (2013), Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Master List (2014), Long-listed Iowa Teen Award Master List (2014), National Science Teacher's Association-CBC, Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children (2013), Long-listed Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award ML (2014), Winner Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens (2013), Long-listed Washington Post Best Books of the Year (2012), Long-listed Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award Master List (2013), Winner YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Winner (2013), Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Choice Award Master List (2015), Winner CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI) (2013)
ISBN: 9781596434875