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
