Most Dangerous

Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War

From Steve Sheinkin, the award-winning author of The Port Chicago 50 and Bomb comes a tense, exciting exploration of what the Times deemed “the greatest story of the century”: how Daniel Ellsberg transformed from obscure government analyst into “the most dangerous man in America,” and risked everything to expose the government’s deceit. On June 13, 1971, the front page of the New York Times announced the existence of a 7,000-page collection of documents containing a secret history of the Vietnam War. Known as The Pentagon Papers, these documents had been commissioned by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Chronicling every action the government had taken in the Vietnam War, they revealed a pattern of deception spanning over twenty years and four presidencies, and forever changed the relationship between American citizens and the politicians claiming to represent their interests. A provocative book that interrogates the meanings of patriotism, freedom, and integrity, Most Dangerous further establishes Steve Sheinkin as a leader in children’s nonfiction.

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Reviews

*YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Winner*

“This is a detailed but fast-paced and fascinating narrative. The early 1970s come to life as Sheinkin splices war, politics, and journalism in what could be an international thriller—but it is true, backed up by meticulous research and the documentary evidence now known as the Pentagon Papers. Teens will find a hero in Daniel Ellsberg, former Marine lieutenant turned State Department employee who wrestles with his belief that the Vietnam War was worth its horrendous cost as he confronts persistent deception by four American presidents.” Voya, starred

“Sheinkin (The Port Chicago 50) has done again what he does so well: condense mountains of research into a concise, accessible, and riveting account of history.” Publishers Weekly, starred

“Thorough andchallenging, readers are left to determine whether Ellsberg, and whistle-blowers in general, is a hero or a traitor. Powerful and thought-provoking.” Booklist, starred

“As always, Sheinkin knows how to put the “story” in history with lively, detailed prose rooted in a tremendous amount of research, fully documented. An epilogue demonstrates how history repeats itself in the form of Edward Snowden. Easily the best study of the Vietnam War available for teen readers. ” Kirkus, starred

“Sheinkin  has an unparalleled gift for synthesizing story and bringing American history to life; here, he’s outdone even himself.” Horn, starred


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