Bomb

The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

By: Steve Sheinkin

Narrated by: Roy Roy Samuelson

Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

A Newbery Honor book

A National Book Awards finalist for Young People's Literature

Perfect for middle grade listeners and history enthusiasts, New York Times best-selling 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.

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.

©2013 Steve Sheinkin (P)2013 Listening Libary

Critic reviews

A Washington Post Best Kids Books of the Year title

“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)

very interesting

Very interesting depiction of our History of developing the atomic bomb. I liked the insights and concise news. we'll done.

Excellent book

Excellent non fiction story for both adults and kids as young as middle school. Reads like a great spy thriller. Author is very well balanced, which allows the reader to make his own opinion on the various issues discussed. Lector is excellent and clear, making the audiobook a pleasure to listen to.

Loved this book. I looked forward to listening every day.

Loved this book. I looked forward to listening every day. I learned a lot of things I had never known. Though NOT the book that the Oppenheimer movie is based on, this is a very approachable story specific to the Manhattan project and espionage that was the part I mostly wanted to know when seeing the movie. So I feel this is a good companion book for those mainly interested in the Manhattan project part of the Oppenheimer movie.

Interesting for the whole family!

We wanted to go for long car rides just to listen to this book! My kids are 11, 9, and 7. They were gripped by this story. They learned history and politics. Excellent book!

Best Book Ever

Amazing well written and the best book I have read. Amazing voice. Sad but a real book with real people.

Excellent history

A must-read on the creation of the first atomic bomb and the immediate and long term consequences of that scientific and military achievement. Loved it.

Amazing story. Worth the time!

Loved it! Great narration. A story worth listening. The historical facts are well written and accurate according to most historical accounts.

Great Story That So Few Know

So much opportunity for a couple screenplays. The raid in Vemork would be incredible!

Historically essential

I learned so much not only about Oppenheimer but about the spy world and treason.

Terrific History!

What did you love best about Bomb?

All of the detail in this book made this history so real, alive, exciting! My parents lived during these events and, of course, they told me what they believed to be true. And I have read lots of books about America, but Bomb put everything together.

What did you like best about this story?

So many of the characters had real depth, even though there were many people involved in the events surrounding the development and use of "the ultimate weapon."

Which character – as performed by Roy Roy Samuelson – was your favorite?

Most important to me was understanding Oppenheimer. I've often wondered how a person who was obviously so intelligent would not understand the human cost of his work. But now I have a more complete picture of the man and much of what happened makes more sense to me.

Any additional comments?

As a teacher, I often try to convince kids how important history is...and how exciting it is...and this book is a perfect example of both.