Synopsis
In this title in the Inventors Who Changed the World series, Glenn Scherer and Marty Fletcher offer a biography of the brilliant and enigmatic scientist who directed the development of the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer's tumultuous relationship with the United States government is also explored, including accusations that he was a Communist. Activities for young readers related to the topic can be found at the end of the book.Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 6-10 This biography shows both the complexity of the man and the importance of his work as the leader of a team of scientists who created the atom bomb. Scherer and Fletcher emphasize Oppenheimer's concerns that these bombs would destroy civilization, stating, "it is difficult...to find anything positive about the invention, or development, of the atomic bomb." Mentioning that the Japanese were not warned, and that the U.S. was "impatient for a response," the authors imply that the Japanese were attacked a second time because they were confused by Hiroshima. They emphasize the human cost, stating that 95 percent of those who died were civilians. The featured Internet sources provide balance in the form of additional perspectives, including many primary documents. They offer reports, photos, and films featuring Oppenheimer and information concerning the atom bomb. Four activities explore the atom and the impact of a bomb on a city and an individual. This book is a good choice for libraries.-Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library