Bomb: The Race to Build--And Steal--The World's Most Dangerous Weapon

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

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Flash Point
Published: 09/04/2012
ISBN: 9781596434875
Pages: 272
Weight: 1.56lbs
Size: 9.41h x 7.66w x 1.35d
Award: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award - Nominee
Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Young Hoosier Book Award - Nominee
Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Winner
Award: Nevada Young Readers' Award - Nominee
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Iowa Teen Award - Nominee
Award: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Black-Eyed Susan Award - Nominee
Award: Tayshas Reading - Commended
Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award - Nominee
Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Recommended
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Jefferson Cup - Winner
Award: Rhode Island Teen Book Award - Nominee
Award: William Allen White Childens Book Award - Nominee
Award: Sequoyah Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Beehive Awards - Nominee
Award: Evergreen Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Newbery Medal - Honor Book
Award: National Book Awards - Finalist
Award: Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Cybils - Winner

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2012 pg. 1688
Publishers Weekly 08/13/2012 pg. 71
Kirkus Reviews Fall Preview 08/15/2012 pg. 42
Booklist 09/01/2012 pg. 100
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2012 - Book Of Special Distinction
Voice of Youth Advocates 10/01/2012 - Recommended - Hard To Beat
School Library Journal 10/01/2012 pg. 159
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2012 pg. 127
New York Times Book Review 11/11/2012 pg. 34
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2012 pg. 35
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2013 pg. 180 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 153499 / Bomb: The Race to Build--And Steal--The World's Most Dangerous Weapon
Reading Level: 6.9 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 10