Customer Reviews

Children of the Atom

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was 10 years old in 1950 when I first read this book. The author was my neighbor in Oakland, CA and she shared her chapters with me as she wrote them. A wonderful pre-teen, teen Science Fiction book that was current in its time and for today.
The author takes us on an adventure of genius children who are the result of the first nuclear power plant accident. Her sharing with us the difficulties that gifted children have convincing adults of their special abilities allows us to enter a world
not often thought about. Children who hide their talents from unbelievers or those who would take advantage of them. My children loved this story and have grown to adulthood carrying its memory with them. I have looked for other works by this author
but have been unable to find them. If you have children who like to dream of expanding their abilities don't miss this book as timely today as it was in 1950.

I read this book when I was in 6th-8th grade-- which must have been around 1955. I lost my copy somewhere along the way but have always remembered the story and the title.

It is hard to explain the way the story takes hold of you and pulls you into the world which is that of the "children of the atom". The resonance and relating is very strong if you are a child who, for whatever reason, has concluded that the intelluctual dimension is the valid one for you and if, around you, that direction is held in disdain.

I am afraid I can not tell you how it ends (because I have forgotten) but I remember it was my favorite book for a very long time...so, for me, at least, it must have been quite satisfactory...

This book is a wonderful read, very entertaining and far far ahead of its time. It will keep surprising you, and some might even say it could have been the inspiration for the X-Men and all their descendants!

Years ago I read the first chapter of this book, titled "In Hiding," in a Sci Fi short stories anthology. A young boy, who is a genius, is quietly hiding this fact from everyone around him. His high intelligence is a result of his parents' exposure to an nuclear accident which, while giving him intellectual advantages, ultimately resulted in their deaths. He is then raised by his grandmother who does not guess his giftedness. A school psychologist figures out his secret, and the plot developes from there.
The novel continues with their story as well as their search for more children like him. A private school is established where the students can work and create. Entertaining complications follow - personality differences, as well as addressing psychological, sociological, ethical, and religious questions - all done in what now feels like a refreshingly hopeful 1950's - early 60's vantage point.

While the science is sometimes outdated, the themes of this book (alienation from other children because of a higher intelligence, interconnections with others are more important than genius) ring true and are universal. Much more uplifting than Odd John by Olaf Stapledon. However, it was difficult to find; I searched for 4 years for my copy.