The clock is ticking on the secret project called “the gadget.” This intriguing account of shadowy figures building the first atomic bomb captures the culture and context of the times. Includes Author’s Note, Further Reading.

Int.-Middle. This book covers the history of the creation of the atomic bomb, specifically the location where it was created in New Mexico. While it does not cover the use of the atomic bomb in WWII, it could be used to segue into WWII lessons.

Age: primary / intermediate
Genre: historical

This book would be a great book to have in the classroom library for the kids to read after they are done with an assignment. It is informational without being too graphic, it focuses on the process of making the bomb and the scientists instead of the war. ( )

Intermediate; Historical; This book is a creatively told story about the creation of the first atomic bomb. The illustrations are beautiful and the author does a great job of describing the story without revealing what it is about. The last page of the book is the Author's note that tells the true story of the secret project, connecting the story told to what happened. This is a great story for kids that love science or history. ( )

This book is breathtaking. I was drawn in from front to back by the dark, somber colors and text to describe the 'shadow people' and 'secret project' juxtaposed with softer pastels and colors appropriate for the southwest when describing anyone or anything else. The secrecy and danger of the project is shown through the simple, straightforward text where the illustrations reveal the darker undertone to the story. The tension that builds when the 'Gadget' is being set is portrayed through the use of a black background and a window view of the project area. The double-page spread dedicated to the countdown is nerve-wracking. When the bomb goes off the page is wordless, as no words are needed or adequate enough to illustrate the vivid glow of the bomb's mushroom cloud and the chilling, and haunting next double-page spread of all black.

Update: I went and looked through reviews and there are several that state factual inaccuracies within the story, both in text and illustration, as well as American Indian representation. I had to take off because of this. I had it at 5 stars the first time. I would never know the whole story or other perspectives if not for people like:
https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2017/10/still-not-reco....
One quote that stood out to me is: "I want more people to speak about accuracy in the ways that Native people are depicted or left out of children's books."
I was entranced by the book at first, and much of it still is mesmerizing, but when I found out this information, it took away some of the pleasure, and made it yet another book that white-washes history. ( )