Bomb (Graphic Novel): The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Bomb (Graphic Novel): The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

By Steve Sheinkin

Illustrated by Nick Bertozzi

Published January, 2023

Roaring Brook Press

Paperback

Nonfiction

Graphic Novel

256 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary

A riveting graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning nonfiction book, Bomb —the fascinating and frightening true story of the creation behind the most destructive force that birthed the arms race and the Cold War.

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.

New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin's award-winning nonfiction book is now available reimagined in the graphic novel format. Full color illustrations from Nick Bertozzi are detailed and enriched with the nonfiction expertise Nick brings to the story as a beloved artist, comic book writer, and commercial illustrator who has written a couple of his own historical graphic novels, including Shackleton and Lewis & Clark.

Accessible, gripping, and educational, this new edition of Bomb is perfect for young readers and adults alike.

 

My Thoughts

I have to say that I really enjoy reading nonfiction graphic novels. I read the original novel when it first came out several years ago and enjoyed it very much. Bertozzi took the original story and created a riveting graphic novel version that will have wide appeal.  Students who found the original denser text intimidating will be able to access this new version. The detailed illustrations give the feel of an old comic and darker coloring make the reader believe they are in the 1940's. 

Bomb will make a great addition to any middle school or high school collection. 

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