Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin is a brilliant, captivating, and educational work of nonfiction. As a historical piece, it dives right into World War II as the discovery of fission, or splitting atoms in two, is made. With this discovery, governments and scientists of the United States, Germany, and the Soviet Union launched a scientific race to build the world’s most dangerous weapon—the atomic bomb. The book begins with the discovery of fission and spirals into more complex chemistry concepts and revelations as scientists from all over the world spend years studying and experimenting with the element of Uranium. As the scientists in the United States are led by Robert Oppenheimer to create the bomb in the “Manhattan Project”, spies from the Soviet Union are hard at work, stealing information and delivering it in code to Joseph Stalin’s team of scientists. Bomb is the story of the risks, plots, betrayals, treasons, and geniuses in a race to build the world’s first nuclear weapon.

Steve Sheinkin begins the book with a prologue that jumps into the end of the story, leaving the reader with questions and peaking interest. The book is then split into four parts, following the chronological order of events in history, and ends with an epilogue that closes the loose ends for readers curious as to how the scientists led the rest of their lives. At the end of the book, Sheinkin also includes a letter from Albert Einstein to President Roosevelt, a deleted chapter, photographs from the historical bombings, and references, including source notes and quotation notes. These features provide even more educational content and allows for the information to become concrete within the reader’s mind.

The intended audience for this book is middle-grade readers, ranging from the ages of 10 to 14. In reality, the book is presented from scientific, factual, and academic perspectives and is truly suitable for anyone who is mature enough to handle the subject matter of war and weaponry. The most interesting aspect of Bomb is that it is told in narrative form. From a third-person perspective, the book is the retelling of historical events, but reads as a spy, thriller, and mystery novel. As this novel’s major strength, the narrative told from the third person allows the reader to engage in the book by inferencing thoughts and behaviors from each scientist, spy, and government official. Since the book is completely factual, teachers in middle school and high school will find this book valuable when teaching social studies. Excerpts from the book may be used as read-alouds in the classroom, or the book can be given as a reading assignment. Students will undoubtedly be intrigued with the book’s presentation of the materials. Throughout the book, the theme of morality is either foreshadowed or spoken of directly, as scientists begin to realize that they have invented the destruction of humanity. Depending on the maturity level, students should be able to recognize the consequences of war and the importance of keeping a social balance now that every country in the world is heavily armed.

If students are interested in more of Steve Sheinkin’s historical works, The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery is also an award-winning book, which explains the rebellious side of American history.

In the interview below, Steve Sheinkin talks about the story behind the making of Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon. Interestingly enough, the book’s focus was set in another course entirely, which Sheinkin briefly explains below:

Sheinkin, S. (2018). Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon. New York City, United States of America: Square Fish.

Sheinkin, S. (2013). The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery. New York City, United States of America: Square Fish.