Hiroshima

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8 The first part of this book describes the events of the day on which the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Alternating between descriptions of the bombing run by the crew of the Enola Gay are those by several Hiroshima families who experienced the day. There is no fictionalization in this section. The quotes are taken from reports by eyewitnesses and participants. The second part of the book discusses what brought about the dropping of the bomb and what has happened since this event. Discussions of such questions as, ``How was the atom bomb developed?,'' ``Was the bomb needed to end the war with Japan?,'' and ``How did the post-war arms race come about?'' are presented. The information is brief, highlighted with bold headings in the margins. The final chapter includes a brief mention of both the SALT I and SALT II Treaties and touches on the ``Star Wars'' program. With the exception of a wrong date for the moon landing, the material is accurate. The bibliography lists only adult titles, and not all are readily accessible. Many black-and-white photographs illustrate the various chapters. For a more in-depth study of the development of the atom bomb and the arms race, choose Michael Blow's The History of the Atom Bomb (American Heritage, 1968; o.p.) and The Bomb (Lodestar, 1982) by Sidney Lens. Stories of those who experienced the atom bomb on Hiroshima are found in Hiroshima No Pika (Lothrop, 1982) by Toshi Maruki, Return to Hiroshima (Atheneum, 1970; o.p.) by Betty Jean Lifton, and Hiroko Nakamoto's My Japan 1930-1951 (McGraw-Hill, 1970; o.p.). Hoare's book is useful for a brief overview of the topics. Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, Oreg.