“Oppenheimer” Booklist – What To Read for Teens and Tweens
Borrowed by Linda Tripp, collection development librarian
The release of the film “Oppenheimer” has brought attention to the fascinating history of the development of the atomic weapon. “School Library Journal” recently shared titles for students who want to learn more about the Manhattan Project and the devastating legacy of the bomb it produced. Explore these books for more about the events leading up to the creation of the weapon and its aftermath — the long lasting effects not only on the people of Japan but on the entire world.
- “Atomic Women: The Untold Stories of the Scientists Who Helped Create the Nuclear Bomb” by Roseanne Montillo
Shares the stories of the female scientists instrumental in building the bomb, who grappled with the destructive aftermath of their own creation, all while striving to be recognized for their work.
- “Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon” by Steve Sheinkin
This gripping narrative tells the fascinating and frightening true story of the race between countries, spies, and scientists to create the first atomic bomb.
- “Bomb (Graphic Novel): The Race to Build–And Steal–The World’s Most Dangerous Weapon” by Steve Sheinkin; illustrated by Nick Bertozzi.
This graphic novel version of Sheinkin’s award-winning book recounts the scientific discoveries that enabled atom splitting, the military intelligence operations that occurred in rival countries, and the work of brilliant scientists hidden at Los Alamos.
- “The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Cranes” by Sue DiCicco and Masahiro Sasaki
The author and Sadako’s older brother Masahiro tell her complete story for the first time–how Sadako’s courage throughout her illness due to radiation exposure in Hiroshima inspired family and friends, and how she became a symbol of all people, especially children, who suffer from the impact of war.
- “Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown” by Steve Sheinkin.
Sheinkin’s follow up details how as World War II comes to a close, the United States and the Soviet Union emerge as the two greatest world powers on extreme opposites of the political spectrum. After the United States showed its hand with the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, the Soviets refused to be left behind. With communism sweeping the globe, the two nations begin a neck-and-neck competition to build even more destructive bombs and conquer the Space Race.
- “Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story” by Caren B. Stelson
Tells the true story of 6-year-old Sachiko Yasui’s miraculous survival of the Nagasaki atomic bomb on August 9, 1945 and the heartbreaking and lifelong aftermath.
- “Soul Lanterns” by Shaw Kuzki
Twelve-year-old Nozomi’s understanding of the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945 is transformed when she learns how those she knows and loves were affected by the event. Includes author’s notes.