Meltdown!: The Nuclear Disaster in Japan and Our Energy Future

by Fred Bortz

Japan. March 11, 2011. 2:46 P.M. The biggest earthquake in Japan's historyand one of the world's five most powerful since 1900devastated the Tohoku region, 320 kilometers (200 miles) northeast of Tokyo. It triggered a huge tsunami that left crippling damage in its wake. More than 13,000 people drowned, and thousands of buildings and homes were reduced to rubble.



As people assessed the damage, they made the most frightening discovery of all: the Fukushima #1 nuclear power plant was seriously damaged and three of its six reactors were heading for meltdowns. Workers tried desperatelybut unsuccessfullyto save them. Explosions and fires released radioactivity into the air. Within days the Japanese government declared a 20-kilometer (12-mile) evacuation zone. The future of the plant, the long-term health of those exposed to radiation, and the effects on the environment remained uncertain.



Learn more about this massive catastrophe as Dr. Fred Bortz examines both the human tragedy and the scientific implications of the nuclear meltdown. Compare this disaster to similar nuclear events in the United States and in Ukraine, and move ahead with Dr. Bortz as he explores the global debate about the future of nuclear power and alternative sources of energy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, History, Audiobook, Middle Grade

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟

Meltdown! by Fred Bortz is an educational read that breaks down the science and events behind nuclear disasters, particularly focusing on Fukushima, with some context from earlier incidents like Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. The author does a good job of explaining technical concepts in a way that’s accessible, especially for younger readers or those without a science background.

While I appreciated the clarity and effort to make the material engaging, the book felt a bit dry in parts and sometimes leaned more toward a textbook-style narrative than a compelling nonfiction story. It presents the facts well but doesn’t always maintain a strong narrative flow or emotional connection to the real-world impact of these events.

That said, it’s a solid resource for those looking to better understand nuclear energy and its risks, particularly from a scientific lens. It may be best suited for middle-grade to early high school readers with an interest in science or current events.

[Derrick R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, concise book about our energy sources and a practical look at the pros/cons of each. I really enjoyed it and recommend folks read it to rise above the clickbait and social media posts. It really makes you realize that we will need an "all of the above" approach to tackle the climate crisis and transition away from fossil fuels.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A concise book about the nuclear emergency at the Fukushima power plant, it has some good information. Overall, an okay read. I listened to the AI-narrated audiobook, which kind of put me off unfortunately.

[Ryan 2/3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was a good book because it was very informational and it gave me a look on the power industry and what it will become.

[Paperclippe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This tried to do so much and ended up doing so little. Very wishy-washy and didn't go into very much detail at all. Pretty big disappointment.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the title indicates that this is a book about the nuclear disaster in Japan last year, it also included a lot of other information about the different types of nuclear reactors and how they work, about the discovery of how to split the atom, and about two other nuclear disasters--Three Mile Island in 1977 and Chernobyl in 1986. Bortz sets the story of what happened at Fukushima in the context of the history of nuclear energy and those other disasters. For me the most interesting chapter was when he talked about the pros and cons to various alternatives to nuclear energy. It seems there are good points and drawbacks to all of these types of alternative energy, yet it's clear that we need to do something to either create more energy or reduce our used of/need for energy. I found this a thought-provoking book, and highly recommend it for young adults.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Japanese nuclear plant meltdown of 2011, was the result of a 9.0 earthquake underneath the ocean and subsequent tsunami. This book follows the event and compares it to accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. There is a great explantation of how nuclear energy works and the history of its discovery. There are lots of photos and the smaller size of the book makes the pages seem more manageable. It's probably not a pleasure read for everyone, but does have index, glossary, website recommendations and a list of further reading. If this book relates to your curriculum, it is a great choice.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the pictures and graphs and maps in the this book, especially the map of tectonic plates on earth. Some sections took me a re-read to understand and middle school students might not get it at all but some of the things that are being explained in the book are complex. It seemed fairly balanced as s to the benefits and the risks of nuclear energy.

[Shaundell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative about the nuclear disaster in Japan caused by the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Wonderful descriptive graphics and a glossary. Easy for students to understand the gravity of what happened and what needs to continue to happen so we can have safe energy in the future.

[Chad Jensen · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was talking about one of the big disaster in japan like the biggest earthquake and it was 1 out of 5 most powerful since 1900. it devastated the tohoku region. i didnt like it much but if you like disaters than i recommend this book to you.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the nuclear disaster in Japan and discussion of the pros and cons of nuclear energy and alternatives.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and interesting. Looks at danger of nuclear power plants and what it means for energy. Very accessible for elem students.

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and well written, opt for students.

Chiaro e ben scritto, utile per gli studenti.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND LERNER PUBLISHING GROUP FOR THE PREVIEW

[Karen Bessin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the disaster, with questions for students to consider at the end of the book.

[Tiffany McElmeel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting on nuclear power and what can happen when things don’t go right.