The Radioactive Boy Scout

The Radioactive Boy Scout, written by Ken Silverstein, recounts a young boy scout’s quest to achieve an Atomic Energy Merit Badge. David Hahn, a seventeen year old kid living in suburban Detroit, is a science prodigy. Ever since he was a kid, he was fascinated by science, and specifically nuclear energy. Throughout his childhood, using the Golden Book of Chemistry Experiments as his guide, he performed numerous chemical experiments in his own house. As he quests for the rank of Eagle Scout, David stumbles upon the Atomic Energy Merit Badge. His interest in nuclear energy soon turns into an obsession. Silverstein even includes in this book "The typical kid [interested in nuclear energy] would have gone to a doctor's office and asked about the X-ray machine. Dave had to go out and try to build a reactor." (Page 87) David spends countless hours attempting to gather enough radioactive material to build his very own nuclear breeder. However, David doesn’t realize the danger he is putting both himself and his community in.

The Radioactive Boy Scout is a nonfiction book. Ken Silverstein uses his writing skills to blend scientific fact, with David’s story and quotes from people near David at the time of this incident. By mixing facts and quotes, Silverstein provides the reader with an enjoyable reading
experience while not overwhelming the reader with too many facts. The book, however, seems to be stretched out. Only about two chapters of the book actually contain David’s story. The first four chapters are rather boring, even with quotes mixed in, primarily because they only contain information about the history of radiation. The two chapters about David are entertaining, however. Silverstein’s information about David really allows the reader to view how smart and how obsessive David was about nuclear energy. Although the book itself is a quick read (209 pages), Silverstein stretches out David’s story as far as possible and includes some irrelevant information, including an entire chapter(4) about the history of the boy scouts. The book was both entertaining and boring at points in the book. If readers can read through these boring parts without problem, it is a good book to read.

The Radioactive Boy Scout gives an excellent example of perseverance. David sets a high goal for himself, but he has the right attitude and determination to build his dream. This book would be a good read for science fans, particularly people interested in nuclear energy, because of the extensive details and facts in this book. Fans of nonfiction science novels would also be interested in this book since it is such an incredible story. Unless you are interested in science, this book would not be as appealing as other nonfiction books.