Bomb (book) facts for kids
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| Author | Steve Sheinkin |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Roaring Brook Press |
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Publication date
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2012 |
| Media type | Prints |
| Pages | 272 |
| ISBN | 1596434872 |
| OCLC | 758244492 |
| 623.45119 SHE | |
| LC Class | UG1282.A8 .S235 2012 |
Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon is an exciting non-fiction book written by Steve Sheinkin. It came out in 2012 and is perfect for young readers. This book tells the true story of how the first atomic bomb was created. It also covers the secret race to build it during World War II.
The book won some big awards. It received the 2013 Newbery Honor and the Sibert Medal. These awards are given by the American Library Association for excellent books for young people.
Contents
Uncovering the Atomic Bomb's Secrets
This book takes you on a journey through history. It starts with the amazing discovery of nuclear fission. This is when scientists learned how to split an atom. A German scientist named Otto Hahn made this discovery on December 17, 1938. This moment changed the world forever.
The Race to Build the Bomb
After nuclear fission was discovered, scientists knew a super powerful weapon was possible. The book explains how different countries tried to build this weapon first. It covers the efforts of Nazi Germany and their work with "heavy water." This was a key ingredient for making atomic power.
The Manhattan Project and Spies
The story then moves to the Manhattan Project. This was a top-secret project in the United States. Many brilliant scientists worked together to build the atomic bomb. They raced against time to finish it before anyone else. But it wasn't just about building. The book also reveals how the Soviet Union tried to steal the bomb's design. Spies played a big role in this dangerous game.
The End of the Race
The book finishes with the dropping of the atomic bombs. These powerful weapons were used on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. This event marked the end of World War II. Bomb helps readers understand the huge impact of these events.
Bomb as a Graphic Novel
In 2023, the story of Bomb was made into a graphic novel. This version was created by Nick Bertozzi and published by Macmillan. A graphic novel uses comic book style art to tell the story. It's another way to experience this important historical account.
Awards for Bomb
Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon has won several important awards:
- 2013 Sibert Medal
- 2013 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction
- 2013 Newbery Medal Honor Book
- 2012 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature
