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

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Sheinkin, S. (2012) Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--The World's Most Dangerous Weapon. [audiobook] New York: Roaring Brook Press.

This is book is a non-fiction story about the story of the building of the worlds first atomic bomb. Sheinkin does this by using the lives of the scientists, spies and saboteurs. The material is from archival material and government documents. There are tales from the Norwegian spies that wanted to sabotage the efforts to make the atomic bomb. Within the story there are also pictures that help the readers (or listeners) to understand what happens when an atomic bomb goes off. There are also many first person accounts of the making and researching of the bomb which allows the reader to get into the heads of those researchers and scientists. As well as those who experienced the aftermath of the bomb. The way that he ends the book is very thought provoking, “The making of the atomic bomb is one of history’s most amazing examples of teamwork and genius and poise under pressure. But it’s also the story of how humans created a weapon capable of wiping our species off the planet. It’s a story with no end in sight… And like it or not you’re in it” (Sheinkin, 2012). 

This book might not appeal to as many as some of the other books in this reading blog. However it gives a wonderful look at a monumental moment in history. With the explanations and diagrams to go on with them the young readers would be able to understand just what goes on in an atomic bomb. The fact that there are first hand accounts of the aftermath would let them connect to people that went through this terrible thing. The audience of this book would be between the ages of 12 18 for the YA age groups but could also appeal to adults as well. 

Rating: 4/5

See you at Harry's by Jo Knowles

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Knowles, J. (2012). See You at Harry's. [audiobook]. Summerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 

This story is about a 12 year old girl who is starting to go to jr high (or middle school) and finds that her parents are super embarrassing. He even made them be in a super cheesy commercial for the family restaurant. Fern feels like she doesn't matter much in the family she feels like she is invisible to the rest of her family, everyone else seems to be busy all of the time. Her youngest brother Charlie was not planned and seems to be the only one who cares much about Fern and is always stuck to her. She also always seems to be the one to be stuck taking care of Charlie because her mom is always so busy. Fern does have a best friend that is always there to offer her reassuring words and and a shoulder to lean on. However things only get worse for Fern when a tragedy strikes and Charlie passes away. This happens while Fern is supposed to be looking after him and she feels responsible for it. Now she feels even more alone and isn't sure how her family could ever return to normal. Throughout the rest of the story you see these realistic characters deal with the loss of a family member. 

While this book is aimed at the lower end of the YA age group (age 10) it could still appeal to the older ages as well. There is a chance that parents might want to remind their children what sort of language is appropriate as there is some language in the book that might not be seen as appropriate. This book shows realistic characters dealing with something that anyone might have to deal with, and might allow teens to relate. With the side story of the older brother coming out and his family not embracing him in his choices could resonate with members of the YA community. 

Rating: 3.5/5