Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 12/16/2022 Gr 5 Up—The world is at war, when suddenly a massive scientific discovery threatens to change weapons and warfare forever. Multiple powers race to be the first to create a super weapon, steal information, sabotage the efforts of others, and even illicitly share information with the enemy. This is the story of the brilliance, lies, plots, and astonishing risks taken to create the most dangerous weapon the world has ever seen—the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb may be one of the most controversial inventions of all time, and this graphic novel adaptation of Sheinkin's Bomb (2012) handles the complex and ultimately unsettling history with honesty and openness. Gripping and fast-paced, the story also brings to light little-known characters such as the Norwegian commandos who prevented Germany from making their own atomic weapons. The science is explained simply, and Bertozzi's full-color illustrations seamlessly unite with the text for an immersive reading experience. Sheinkin does not shy away from the horror of these events, hauntingly moving from the passionate focus of the scientists at work to images and facts that highlight the devastating human toll of their creation. A swear word is included once, but it is in keeping with historical record and it isn't gratuitous. Back matter includes an epilogue and author's note with additional information on some of the historical figures in the book. VERDICT Sheinkin and Bertozzi take the story of one of the most significant events in recent world history and make it accessible to all readers, regardless of background knowledge. Recommended for purchase in all libraries where graphic works are popular.—Emily Beasley - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 02/01/2023 Sheinkin's Sibert-winning Bomb (2012) made history come alive with compelling narrative threads and cliff-hanger teases instead of the usual bombardment of facts and dates. A little more than a decade later, this graphic novel adaptation tells the same captivating story of science and espionage but perhaps makes it all the more approachable in the process. Sheinkin makes full use of the graphic format—word and thought bubbles delve more into the thoughts and motivations of these complicated historical figures; the visual narrative also whittles down an already slick story even further, making it even more fast-paced than ever. Though it's unfortunate that the photos from the original are not in this version, Bertozzi’s artwork nicely capture the emotions of the characters and the impact of the events; the eventual bombing of Hiroshima, for example, is hauntingly captured and deeply moving. Some may feel a bit of the magic of the original is lost in the transfer, but overall Sheinkin once again shows his versatility with this simple yet powerful format shift. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

Booklist - 02/15/2023 Sheinkin’s Sibert-winning Bomb (2012) made history come alive with compelling narrative threads and cliff-hanger teases instead of the usual bombardment of facts and dates. A little more than a decade later, this graphic novel adaptation tells the same captivating story of science and espionage but perhaps makes it all the more approachable in the process. Sheinkin makes full use of the graphic format—word and thought bubbles delve more into the thoughts and motivations of these complicated historical figures; the visual narrative also whittles down an already slick story even further, making it even more fast-paced than ever. Though it’s unfortunate that the photos from the original are not in this version, Bertozzi’s artwork nicely captures the emotions of the characters and the impact of the events; the eventual bombing of Hiroshima, for example, is hauntingly captured and deeply moving. Some may feel a bit of the magic of the original is lost in the transfer, but overall Sheinkin once again shows his versatility with this simple yet powerful format shift. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.