Hiroshima: The Story of the First Atom Bomb

by Clive A. Lawton

Drawing on primary sources and startling photographs, a renowned authority investigates the events that led up to the disaster at Hiroshima in 1945 — and discusses the consequences we are still living with today.

"My God, what have we done?" — Copilot of the ENOLA GAY, after dropping the first atomic bomb

On August 6, 1945, the United States of America dropped the world¹s first atomic bomb, on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, a decision that ushered in the nuclear age and marked the end of World War II. When the atomic bomb exploded at 8:15 a.m., 70,000 people were killed instantly. Thousands more were dead of radiation sickness within weeks. More still were sick, scarred, and deformed for the rest of their lives by the chemicals in the bomb. Three days later, another bomb killed 40,000 people in Nagasaki. In this extraordinary resource for young readers, Clive A. Lawton clearly and objectively explores the politics and the science behind the military decision that would set in motion the nuclear arms race.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Japanese Literature, World War II, Middle Grade

48 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2004

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our history spine didn’t expand on the atomic bomb attacks on Japan during WW2, so we decided to dig a bit more. The writer of Hiroshima is an Englishman which likely gave him a more unbiased view of the American attack on Japan. The question is asked as to whether the right decisions were made on either side, but the writer leaves the reader to form his own opinions. Whatever opinions are formed, the loss of life and the struggle of the survivors is heart wrenching.

[Edward]

When I was in 10 grade I found out about the Hiroshima bomb attacked when I heard about it I started crying because innocent kids and adults died when the bomb touched earth. But I feel that the writer was missing some important things about the bombing of Hiroshima I know that the reader can leave their own opinion but I recommend reading this book because it gives point of view of both sides.

[Esther Bouchillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book was a great quick but detailed summary of the end of WWII in the Pacific and its lasting effects.

[Michael J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think that the U.S army should drop the atom bomb on Hiroshima because they bombed Pearl Harbor and it was a disaster. This book was a good fact book and it tells you all the things you want to know about the bomb on Hiroshima. Like who droped it,what happen afterwards,and also what Hiroshima is like today. It also tells you that what the Atom bomb was made of or built out of. Atomic bombs are one of the most scariest things in the world. It gives people and things radiation. It destoys the earth and all of the people who live in it. If you dont die at first, your hair will fall out and you wont be able to breathe and eventually you will die. I hope that their will never be another atomic bomb dropped. Reading about the attack on Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima is very intersting. I think anyone who reads this book will really enjoy it, and its also a good fact book.

Thank you very much,
Michael Januhowski

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one I'm reading to help my daughter with her homework - there is a TON I didn't know about this part of history - the atom bomb itself. You know, reading history books aimed at junior high students is kind of a good way to learn things in general, not going into too much detail, but to get a good overview of history I never learned or have forgotten because when I first learned it I was far more interested in my social life than history. :)

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures are terrific, and the book, for the most part, is highly informative. My only complaint is that the author gave his opinion of the presidency of FDR as fact. He should have said he was a popular president or that he is often thought to have been a great president, not that he was a great president.

[Jennifer Vu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It had many visuals to emphasize the information given. It also had many interesting details around the time of the atom bomb dropping. There was a background of War World II and why the atom bomb was deemed necessary.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of my son's history curriculum. A decent introduction to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Plenty of pictures.

[Gianna Petrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. 4th-6th grade
2. This book is about the bombing of Hiroshima from the United States of America. This is a lengthy and wordy book, but also has plenty of real photographs. This book also has a table of contents making it easy for students to navigate through it.
3. I liked this book because it is very colorful and easy for a student to read and enjoy learning about it. I would have this book on my bookshelf and I have a feeling that due to the awesome photographs, students would read it during their reading time and not because they are forced to. This book is lengthy but definitely an easy read.
4. I would also have my students use this book for a reference tool on their research papers. I would have one student do their project on the bombing on Japan and they could use this book for facts in their papers.

[Kk]

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