Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story

To be published on what will be the 80th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, survivor Setsuko Thurlow shares her memories of that horrific event and her resulting lifelong commitment to activism to ban nuclear arms.

When Setsuko Thurlow was thirteen, she witnessed one of history’s most horrific events. She experienced—and survived—the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to educate people about the catastrophe and to ensure that it never happens again. As a leading member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), she gave the acceptance speech when the organization won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.

Never Silent recounts Setsuko’s earliest memories of her happy life in Hiroshima, followed by the devastating firsthand impact she witnesses after the dropping of the atomic bomb, and finally traces the steps she takes to rebuild a life in the aftermath of her experiences. With informational text scattered throughout the book to give historical context for the places and events, readers are given a full and profoundly affecting picture of what it was like after the bomb dropped, the struggle to return to normalcy, and the plea for activism to ban nuclear weapons.

80TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE: Commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, providing a timely and powerful personal reflection on its impact and legacy.

FIRST-PERSON SURVIVOR ACCOUNT: Setsuko Thurlow's firsthand narrative brings an intimate, authentic perspective on the devastation of Hiroshima and its enduring effects on survivors.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT FOR YOUNGER READERS: Includes accessible historical details to help young readers understand World War II, Japan’s role, and the global significance of the atomic bomb.

ILLUSTRATIVE MAPS AND CONTEXTUAL VISUALS: Features maps and illustrations to give readers a clear sense of location, historical context, and the magnitude of the event.

EVOCATIVE ILLUSTRATIONS: Michelle Theodore’s illustrations create an emotional atmosphere, enhancing the storytelling and reflecting Setsuko’s memories and activism.

INSPIRATION FOR ACTIVISM: Invites readers to reflect on the consequences of nuclear warfare and consider becoming advocates for peace, drawing on Setsuko’s lifelong commitment to nuclear disarmament.

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE CONNECTION: Setsuko’s work with ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) and presence at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2017 highlights the global importance of her advocacy.

LEVELING INFO: Coming soon