Starting with the cover photo, showing a shocked child in a protective mask standing in rubble, this book unflinchingly reveals the horrific experience of people who were right there when the atomic bomb was dropped. General World War II history is discussed in some detail, including the attack on Pearl Harbor, the war in Europe, the Manhattan Project, and the views of American and Japanese soldiers. But most memorable are the personal testimonies of the survivors of the bombings, who speak of hellish infernos, of orphaned children, and of the crowds of victims with skin blackened by burns. Part of the Days of Change series, the strikingly designed book features clear type on thick paper and includes many full-page photos with lengthy captions. The final section on the present threat of nuclear war is sure to spark discussion. Unfortunately, other than a brief bibliography, there are no sources, not even for direct quotes.

Gr 6-8-Slim introductions to perennially in-demand topics. Each book opens with a one-page description of the subject, capturing its drama and significance, followed by a chronological overview offering background information, a summary of events and developments, and analysis. Bodden is objective in her coverage, discussing both sides of the issues that have been raised by historians. All three volumes are attractive with clean layouts. Spreads have text on one page opposite a full-page archival photo or illustration (color or sepia) incorporating a quote, caption, or sidebar. All of the titles include a map and short bibliographies consisting of widely held young adult titles. Although these books are accurate, readable, and filled with high-quality illustrative material that will hold student interest, their coverage is best described as superficial, similar to overviews such as Richard Tames's Hiroshima: The Shadow of the Bomb (Heinemann Library, 2006). Researchers will be better served by Barbara Rogasky's Smoke and Ashes: The Story of the Holocaust (Holiday House, 1988) or James A. Warren's Cold War: The American Crusade Against World Communism, 1945-1991 (HarperCollins, 1996), which offer more comprehensive treatments of these complex subjects. The "Days of Change" titles will serve as additional introductions.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.