Chernobyl: Nuclear Disaster

Children's Literature

In 1986, a nuclear reactor in a power plant in Chernobyl Ukraine exploded, sending radiation over several nations throughout Northern Europe. This disaster is considered the world's worst nuclear accident. Bryan describes how this cheap source of energy with the promise of less pollution led the old Soviet Union to build one of the largest nuclear power plants. Eventually, the plant began to have problems caused by cutting corners and a lack of knowledge in preventing radiation leaks. One of the chapters describes the explosion of the reactor and the fires that burned for days. Evacuation was slow, and consequently thousands of people living around the plant were exposed to radiation. Years later, people are still suffering from the effects of radiation poisoning. Clean-up began, and a cement wall was build around the damaged reactor, which was covered with a steel roof. However, the remaining three reactors were put back in operation. It was only in 2000 that the Chernobyl reactors were silenced for good. Color photographs, sidebars, time line, glossary and further information is included. 2004, World Almanac Library, Ages 10 up.
— Della A. Yannuzzi