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Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon (Newbery Honor Book & National Book Award Finalist) Paperback – January 9, 2018

4.6 out of 5 stars 1,825 ratings

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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 Buildand Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon.

A Newbery Honor book
A National Book Awards finalist for Young People's Literature
A Washington PostBest 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

Amazon Editors' favorite summer reads Amazon%20Editors%27%20favorite%20summer%20reads

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“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

“A must-read…” ―
Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A superb tale of an era and an effort that forever changed our world.” ―
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“[a] complicated thriller that intercuts action with the deftness of a Hollywood blockbuster.” ―
Booklist

“...reads like an international spy thriller, and that's the beauty of it.” ―
School Library Journal, starred review

“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.” ―
Bulletin of the Center of Children’s Books, starred review

About the Author

Steve Sheinkin is the acclaimed author of fast-paced, cinematic nonfiction histories, including Fallout, Undefeated, Born to Fly, The Port Chicago 50, and Bomb. His accolades include a Newbery Honor, three Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards, a Sibert Medal and Honor, and three National Book Award finalist honors. He lives in Saratoga Springs, New York, with his wife and two children.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 9, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250050642
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250050649
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10+ years, from customers
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.7 x 8.95 inches
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 920L
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,825 ratings

About the author

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Steve Sheinkin
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A former textbook writer, Steve Sheinkin is now making amends by writing history books that kids and teens actually want to read. His award-winning nonfiction books include FALLOUT, BOMB, UNDEFEATED, THE PORT CHICAGO 50, MOST DANGEROUS, THE NOTORIOUS BENEDICT ARNOLD, LINCOLN'S GRAVE ROBBERS, BORN TO FLY, and his newest title, IMPOSSIBLE ESCAPE. His newest book is THE BLETCHLEY RIDDLE, a WWII historical mystery co-written with Ruta Sepetys. Steve lives with his family in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,825 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book well-written and engaging, describing it as a fascinating tale that reads like a suspense novel. They appreciate its detailed research and how it serves as a great way to learn about WWII, while also being suitable for both old and young readers. The book keeps readers invested in the characters and features great photos.

158 customers mention "Readability"155 positive3 negative

Customers find the book extremely readable and fun to read, with one customer noting it's great for cross-subject study.

"Great book and provides very useful information that we did not know before...." Read more

"Great read a must for those at all levels. We need to understand how lucky our country was to create such a dangerous weapon so quickly...." Read more

"...The book is well written and is also full of suspense...." Read more

"...Well written and researched. Easy reading about an important time in US history." Read more

118 customers mention "Storyline"115 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's storyline fascinating and well-presented, describing it as a super legit fun to read incredible great history.

"Read it together with my son. It was not only interesting and engaging, but took difficult concepts, nuclear explosives and subterfuge, and made..." Read more

"Enjoyed the book, fast read and very interesting. I would recommend this for any age from 4th grade up to adult." Read more

"...Once I started reading it, it was hard to put down. Very interesting." Read more

"School must read assignment. Slow read but interesting." Read more

93 customers mention "Information quality"90 positive3 negative

Customers praise the book's information quality, describing it as a solid history lesson with detailed research that even avid history readers find valuable.

"...An easy enjoyable read, thrilling while informative. Well deserving of it's many literary awards." Read more

"...Well written and researched. Easy reading about an important time in US history." Read more

"This book is well researched, it puts you into the mindset of the people involved with the creation of the atom bomb and their challenges and..." Read more

"Great book and provides very useful information that we did not know before...." Read more

49 customers mention "Book for adults"45 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is written for young readers and is suitable for both old and young readers, making it great for middle schoolers and teachers.

"Kids like it and it reads like a spy vs. spy Zero Dark Thirty thing. Kids like it and since there is a dearth of good nonfiction this a Godsend...." Read more

"This book is so well written; perfect for kids and/or adults." Read more

"...It is an amazing book. While it is used for high school level classes, it is definitely a book for adults/mature teens...." Read more

"...Bomb is a great choice for teaching high school aged students about the atomic bomb in a new (and much more interesting) way...." Read more

36 customers mention "Pacing"33 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing, describing it as a suspense novel that keeps readers engaged.

"...a faster paced story that is accurate, grabs your interest and is easy to follow, this book is for you. Overall an excellent read." Read more

"Enjoyed the book, fast read and very interesting. I would recommend this for any age from 4th grade up to adult." Read more

"...The action is paced well and keeps you invested in the characters and the story. Definitely worth the time." Read more

"...The author does his research, moves the book at an appropriate speed, and weaves the names and events so that any lapses in reader interest are..." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with several noting how the story keeps readers invested in the characters, and one review highlighting how it examines the motivations behind their decisions.

"...The action is paced well and keeps you invested in the characters and the story. Definitely worth the time." Read more

"...By focusing the text on character narratives, including dialogue, and threading between story lines, this book is an unexpected page turner...." Read more

"...Plus, the author described the characters with such a fantastical twist that it amazes me that these people actually existed...." Read more

"...While I learned little in new facts, I was intrigued with the persona characterized of the principal players in this drama, both spies and scientists..." Read more

10 customers mention "Pictures"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pictures in the book, with one customer noting they are in black and white and help paint the big picture.

"...LOL I also liked the pictures to go along with some of the people as well as things referenced throughout the book...." Read more

"This book is an incredible look at the whole world in WWII, including the crazy politics of the war, the terrifying and mesmerising creation of..." Read more

"...provides interesting, exciting, detailed research, primary sources, photographs, and delivers a riveting heart pounding, page turner...." Read more

"...The photos are also great. Very worthwhile -- and sobering -- reading. I sent it to my nephews, it is worth sharing...." Read more

Historical Non Fiction, Interesting, Enjoyable Read
4 out of 5 stars
Historical Non Fiction, Interesting, Enjoyable Read
I have now read several of his books, some of his books that are more geared towards younger ages and still enjoyed them. I love the source notes he includes in all of his books as evidenced for where he obtained his facts and information for the book. Full disclosure so did read this with the Audio Books voice reading it to me while I read along. Some of the names would have probably taken a lot longer to read the book if I hadn't done that bc I would have been stuck on trying to figure out the proper pronunciation of each challenging name. LOL I also liked the pictures to go along with some of the people as well as things referenced throughout the book. I love the way he gives historical information and ties it in with more recent updated information of things I have either heard about or wondered as of 2017. My 12 yr old son would listen along to the Audiobooks reading aloud, and stop and want to read along with me as well, & see the pictures. He also wanted to know more about the bits that he heard. We were able to use the source notes in those cases. This one was a little more detailed with less humor, as to be expected given the subject & content and probably targeted audience than his other books my son and I have read. Overall I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little learning while reading a good book. Being able to take away information after the book is completed is a great feeling for me. If anyone had read this book or any of his other books, and felt the same way about them, please feel free to leave a comment of other books you might recommend. I am always looking for another good book to read.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I really feel this author is one of the best history writers for a history foundation out there because he truly takes you to the historical event or scenario.
    He puts in all important data but his extraordinary ability to depict historical events (almost as if you are there) is what brings his work to the top.
    I read history books quite a bit but his books bring you into history which is something I don’t get when I read many other writers compilations.
    I have thoroughly enjoy every historical book I’ve read by this anuthor (and I have read most of his work).

    I can’t recommend this authors history books enough. This guy is really talented and explaining history in a way that is to the point and enticing to read.

    I would give his books 100 stars if I could.

    Bravo!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is well researched, it puts you into the mindset of the people involved with the creation of the atom bomb and their challenges and concerns. The action is paced well and keeps you invested in the characters and the story. Definitely worth the time.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2017
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I have now read several of his books, some of his books that are more geared towards younger ages and still enjoyed them. I love the source notes he includes in all of his books as evidenced for where he obtained his facts and information for the book. Full disclosure so did read this with the Audio Books voice reading it to me while I read along. Some of the names would have probably taken a lot longer to read the book if I hadn't done that bc I would have been stuck on trying to figure out the proper pronunciation of each challenging name. LOL I also liked the pictures to go along with some of the people as well as things referenced throughout the book. I love the way he gives historical information and ties it in with more recent updated information of things I have either heard about or wondered as of 2017. My 12 yr old son would listen along to the Audiobooks reading aloud, and stop and want to read along with me as well, & see the pictures. He also wanted to know more about the bits that he heard. We were able to use the source notes in those cases. This one was a little more detailed with less humor, as to be expected given the subject & content and probably targeted audience than his other books my son and I have read. Overall I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little learning while reading a good book. Being able to take away information after the book is completed is a great feeling for me. If anyone had read this book or any of his other books, and felt the same way about them, please feel free to leave a comment of other books you might recommend. I am always looking for another good book to read.
    Customer image
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Historical Non Fiction, Interesting, Enjoyable Read

    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2017
    I have now read several of his books, some of his books that are more geared towards younger ages and still enjoyed them. I love the source notes he includes in all of his books as evidenced for where he obtained his facts and information for the book. Full disclosure so did read this with the Audio Books voice reading it to me while I read along. Some of the names would have probably taken a lot longer to read the book if I hadn't done that bc I would have been stuck on trying to figure out the proper pronunciation of each challenging name. LOL I also liked the pictures to go along with some of the people as well as things referenced throughout the book. I love the way he gives historical information and ties it in with more recent updated information of things I have either heard about or wondered as of 2017. My 12 yr old son would listen along to the Audiobooks reading aloud, and stop and want to read along with me as well, & see the pictures. He also wanted to know more about the bits that he heard. We were able to use the source notes in those cases. This one was a little more detailed with less humor, as to be expected given the subject & content and probably targeted audience than his other books my son and I have read. Overall I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little learning while reading a good book. Being able to take away information after the book is completed is a great feeling for me. If anyone had read this book or any of his other books, and felt the same way about them, please feel free to leave a comment of other books you might recommend. I am always looking for another good book to read.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is an incredible look at the whole world in WWII, including the crazy politics of the war, the terrifying and mesmerising creation of atomic bombs, and the stress of each major power trying to get the bomb built first. By the end of the book, I couldn't help but speculate what other endings could have come to the war if the US had not been the first to complete the bomb.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2015
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I am in eighth grade and I think this book describes both the race to develop and use the atomic bomb perfectly. The main plot is about the discovery of fission and the making of the first atomic bomb and the ones that followed. It is also about the race between America, the Soviet Union, and Germany to finish constructing the atomic bomb as soon as possible in order to use it if there is a possible or definite threat from the other country or countries. The book is well written and is also full of suspense. The main characters in the novel are Robert Oppenheimer (a physicist who was in charge of the making of the first atomic bomb), Leslie Groves (an army general who was in charge of the entire Manhattan Project), Klaus Fuchs (a physicist who ended up spying for the Soviet Union), and Harry Gold (a chemist from Philadelphia who betrayed his country by giving top-secret information to the Soviets.) The main locations the novel takes place in are America, Japan, and Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. The subplots talk about the scientists and physicists who were involved in the making of the atomic bomb and the ones who were also spies or were not spies but were accused of being a spy. The subplots also talk about the different locations where each bomb was tested. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American history or physics (science.)
    14 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    The story pulls you in from beginning to end. It's been a couple years and my wife and I still talk about this book fairly often.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Really Nice book, It went not only in some depth about the history of the bomb itself, but also the chemistry. It didn't offer too much chemistry though. It talked about the process of fission and starting energy (pretty basic stuff). Nice to see it added though.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    My son had to read this book for his 8th grade English class. My husband was curious to read the book after my son started telling us about it. It is an amazing book. While it is used for high school level classes, it is definitely a book for adults/mature teens. There are a lot of facts in it and a lot of very descriptive language. It is great for any history buff or anyone who just wants to learn more about the production and use of nuclear bombs. While I did not read the book in it's entirety (both my son and husband did), many excerpts were read to me and many facts were related to me. I highly recommend it. (I was not paid nor compensated for this review. this is simply my HONEST opinion.)
    5 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Lara y Jesús
    4.0 out of 5 stars The race to create the deadly weapon that would win the war
    Reviewed in Spain on September 1, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the way the novel is written. I like that even though its a very scientific matter, it's balanced out by the adventurous spy stories. Reading this book I learned about nuclear weapons and their effects, the life of spies, important historical events and the division of the world into two groups.
    Although this isn't the type of book I usually read, I must say I found it very entertaining, informative and I would definitely recommend it.
  • Witz
    5.0 out of 5 stars avvincente come un thriller
    Reviewed in Italy on August 4, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Preciso e documentato come un saggio, avvincente come un thriller
    Report
  • Malula
    5.0 out of 5 stars Envió normal
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 24, 2017
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    El envío estuvo bien dentro de lo que cabe. Tardo 5 días en llegar a CDMX desde Austin, Texas, USA. Era envió normal
  • Ms Clare S Dyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely readable (according to my kids).
    Reviewed in Canada on December 10, 2020
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I have a tough time finding books that my boys (aged 12 and 14) will read, but they both zipped through this one and said they loved it.
  • Reme Court
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant style of writing for a difficult subject
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Any book that has my teenager rushing to tell me something he finds fascinating or researching further to find out more is a huge success in my eyes.
    Love the style of writing. A real eye opener. Brilliant.
    Please note my teen is engineering and war obsessed.