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| Image courtesy of Roaring Brook Press |
Bibliography
Sheinkin, Steve, and Jay Colvin. Bomb: The
Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon. New York:
Roaring Brook Press, 2013. Print. ISBN 9781596434875
Plot
Summary
In the 1930’s scientists were
discovering the nature of atoms’ particles. They were curiously studying
radioactive elements. As scientists learned more, it became clear that creating
an atomic bomb was a possibility. As tensions rose between the Axis and the
Allies in World War II, a race ensues to become the dominator with the first
atomic bombs. Bomb accounts the
sabotage, theft, and building of the atomic bomb by scientists, special
military forces, government leaders, and spies.
Critical
Analysis
From the first ideas of atomic fission
to the American bombing of Hiroshima to the creation of the first atomic bomb
in the Soviet Republic, Bomb portrays
all angles of the big story in a chronological sequence that is easy to follow.
Chunked into four major parts, Steve Sheinkin delivers photographs at the
beginning of each section and proceeds to draw readers into the intense, covert
drama surrounding the start of nuclear weapons. Each part is organized into
short narratives that describe the story from a certain angle. These given
titles in an old fashioned typewriter font, lend the book an air of the time
period. The photographs are designed in a scrapbook layout at the beginning of
each section, so when reading about a character or event you can easily flip
back to the layout and review the photos. If I had a wish the only thing more I’d
want in this book is more pictures, especially some placed throughout the
sections.
Each small narrative section is
written as a true short story, making the book lively, easily followed, and
hard to put down. Quotations from the people involved ensure the reader gets
the authentic experience. All the information is accurate with source notes and
quotation notes included. An index helps readers search or refer back to
details. With such important facts told in a way that only lets the reader in
on the secret developments one bit at a time, Sheinkin keeps his readers
looking for more. His source notes provide ample resources to further one’s
research.
Review
Excerpts and Awards
2013 Robert F. Sibert Medal
2013 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction
2013 Newberry Medal Honor Book
From Kirkus
Reviews: “It takes a lot of
work to make a complicated subject clear and exciting, and from his prodigious
research and storytelling skill, Sheinkin has created a nonfiction story young
people will want to read.”
From The
Horn Book: “Sheinkin here maintains the pace of a thriller without
betraying history (source notes and an annotated bibliography are exemplary) or
skipping over the science; photo galleries introducing each section help
readers organize the events and players.”
From Publishers Weekly: “Suspenseful
play-by-play moments will captivate…”
From School Library Journal: “American history is brought to life in
this engaging story.”
Connections
Use a single narrative section to
introduce a unit of study in science around atoms or nuclear energy.
Use a single narrative section as an
exemplar for students to absorb the style of effective writing.
In a career research assignment, use
as an extension for those with an interest in military or engineering careers.
Ask students to create a video reflection after reading.
After reading, students may want to
research World War II further or extend research and learn about the status of
nuclear weapons programs from that point to current time. Students may want to
create a multimedia presentation like a Pixton comic, Timetoast digital
timeline, or an Animoto video of nuclear weapons programs.
Have students study and contrast the
use of nuclear power for different purposes. Invite a guest speaker from a
nuclear energy agency.
Have students create a skit to
dramatize the events of nuclear development.
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