On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was destroyed by the first atom bomb ever dropped on a city. This account of the bombing of Hiroshima is told from the perspective of six survivors. Almost four decades after the original publication of the book, John Hersey went back to Hiroshima in search of the people whose stories he had told. His account of what he discovered about them is now the final chapter of Hiroshima.

To buy this book, click here or on the book cover.

Enrichment Activities
Internet Resources
Books by John Hersey

Enrichment Activities

• The Controversy Over Nuclear Weapons
  Students consider their thoughts about the nuclear controversy while completing this question and answer sheet.
  
  
• International Day of Peace
  Students use an online resource to learn about International Peace Day, celebrated in Hiroshima every August 6 to memorialize the children who died from the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.
  
  
• Questions to Consider
  Use these questions to lead a discussion about Hiroshima or to provide short essay question practice.
  
  
• Project Ideas
  A list of project ideas and curriculum connections to use while teaching this engaging novel.
  
  
• Synopsis, Ideas, and Writing Connections
  Challenge students with discussion concepts and creative writing assignments.
  
  
• World War II Timeline
  From 1939 to the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, this timeline covers the events of WWII.
  

Internet Resources

Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima
Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary
Published in the War Times Journal, this account of the 1945 nuclear bombing was written by a Catholic priest.
http://www.wtj.com/archives/hiroshima.htm

Hiroshima Photo Gallery
Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary
The complete "Hiroshima" work of Japanese photographer Hiromi Tsuchida.
http://www.lclark.edu/~history/HIROSHIMA/gallery.html

Hiroshima Survivor Testimonials
Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary
Fifteen eyewitness accounts of the bombing of Hiroshima.
http://www.inicom.com/hibakusha/

Hiroshima: Was It Necessary?
Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary
Articles and quotes that explore the premise that the atomic bombings of Japan were probably not necessary.
http://www.doug-long.com/

John Hersey Biography
Grade Levels: Middle, Secondary
A complete description of the life of this Pulitzer-Prize-winning author.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWhersey.htm