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Lawton, Clive A. 2004. HIROSHIMA: THE STORY OF THE FIRST ATOM BOMB. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 076362271
While the large, 48-page format makes HIROSHIMA look like a picture book for younger readers, the concise but detailed text,
many photographs, and captions which extend the topic on each two-page spread are more appropriate for older readers. Lawton,
a Briton, presents multiple points of view about the development and deployment of the first atom bombs, but refrains from
editorializing. Perhaps the most interesting puzzle piece presented by the author is this: "At Potsdam, the Allies also
discussed the continuing war against Japan. The United States, which was heavily engaged in fighting Japan, secured an agreement
that the USSR would not enter the conflict in the Pacific until after August 15. The United States was worried that if the
USSR joined the war against the Japanese, it would seek to gain control over the region once Japan had been defeated."
Lawton then leaves the ultimate timing of the atom bomb drops for the reader to synthesize.
The many photos, maps, and reproduced newspaper pages, correspondence, and propaganda pieces are thoughtfully placed and
captioned. Access features include a table of contents, a timeline, glossary, "Who's Who," details about the science
involved in nuclear warfare, an index, and photo credits. Booklist's review of July 1, 2004, concludes: "'Was it the
right decision?' is always the question, and Lawton is fair to all sides, considering both Japanese wartime atrocities and
the slaughter of civilians killed by the bomb."
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