View Spread
The Secret of the Manhattan Project
Thousands of American soldiers were dying and millions more combatants and civilians were perishing during World War II. Some of the world's greatest scientists escaped their own war-torn countries and fled to the Unites States. These scientists discovered a possible way to end the war. Thus began the three-year experiment resulting in the production and use of the atomic bomb. Author Doreen Gonzales examines the creation of this powerful weapon and its place in the history of World War II. She presents the political, scientific and social issues surrounding the bomb, and looks at today's issues about living in a world with nuclear weapons.
* Reviews *
The scene is neatly set with the first, short chapter, Mission: Possible. It asks readers to imagine keeping a secret among 100,000 people, hiding three entire cities from prying eyes, and putting the most famous scientists in the world in one place that few know about. These were just a few of the elements that went into the development of the atomic bomb. Part of the Stories in American History series, this book does a fine job of explaining the Manhattan Project to middle-graders by firmly placing the project in the context of history. Gonzales briskly sets up the events that led to WWII; explains how many scientists were forced to flee their homelands; describes the experimentation surrounding such a massive effort; and then shows the ramificationsand doubtsthat were detonated along with the bomb. What sets this book apart is not the format, which is conventional and loaded with well-chosen photos, but the way Gonzales twists the many threads and turns them into a fresh narrative that will intrigue readers and encourage them to find out more., Booklist April 1, 2012
RL
Grades
5-6 IL
Grades
5-12+ GRL
W
