Michael Burgan - Hiroshima. Birth of the Nuclear Age [2009] [A]

At the end of World War II the world's most powerful weapon was unleashed upon the Japanese city of Hiroshima. An atomic bomb with the destructive force of 20,000 tons of TNT destroyed the city and killed thousands upon impact. In Hiroshima: Birth of the Nuclear Age explore the happenings leading up to this event, discover the perspectives of those involved, and learn of the future use of nuclear weapons.

Editorial Reviews
Children's Literature - Danielle Williams
The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ushered in the nuclear age. When research and development of nuclear weapons began no one had any idea what the outcome of developing this type of technology would be. Scientists were striving to develop new technology while military personnel were focusing on a quick solution to end War World II. It was only after the two cities in Japan were bombed that the true destructive nature of nuclear weapons was understood. The destructive power of nuclear weapons is indescribable and the affects of radioactive fallout can continue for generations, something that no scientist at the time could have imagined possible. Burgan offers an account of the events leading up to the dropping of the first nuclear bomb on Hiroshima and the aftermath of the bombing, but does not delve too deeply into the personal repercussions suffered by the victims. The author does offer detailed information regarding the political fallout of the bombings and offers a brief history of the nuclear proliferation by the United States and the Soviet Union following the development of nuclear weapons. The text is part of the "Perspectives On" series. Reviewer: Danielle Williams

School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up—Many periods of American history are hotly debated. These books represent two of these critical eras by covering the destruction of Hiroshima, including war developments, the construction of the atom bomb, and the ensuing Cold War; and another spanning the turbulent decade that bore witness to the Civil Right Movement, the divisive Vietnam War, and various other movements concerning women, gays, and the environment. Utilizing an unbiased and chronological narrative, both authors delve deeply into the given topics, providing an overall representation as well as a substantial degree of insight. In both volumes, readers are given a quick overview of the period, descriptions of the major participants, and the standing of the debate today. The potency of these titles lies in the excellent arrangement of numerous well-chosen sidebars and photos, and fluent, concise prose. Both books culminate with ample source notes and lists of abundant Web sites and print resources for further exploration of the topics. By covering seminal research topics in an engaging and crisp manner, these slim, inviting books are effective research tools.—Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL