REVIEW: Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

In 1938, a German chemist made a surprising discovery, that atoms split when placed next to radioactive material. Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon, by Steve Sheinkin, explores how this discovery launched the scientific race which spanned three continents and forever changed the face of weapon capability and warfare.

This title is more than deserving of its accolades.  Bomb was a 2012 finalist for the National Book Awards in Young People's Literature as well as the 2012 Washington Post Best Kids Book of the Year. It also received a 2013 Newbery Honor.

What I found most profound about this book was its writing style.  Typically, non-fiction titles for any age can steer toward dry and boring prose.  However, Sheinkin presents the events is an accessible, fast paced and compelling narrative format. The story-like quality has readers clamouring for more as they seek to discover the conclusion to all the plotting, risk-taking and deceit. This really is an intriguing read for grades 5 thru adult. I recommend the print book but also enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Roy Samuelson.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars




#YAlit #nonfiction #history #science #WWII #warfare