Children of the Atom

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Children of the Atom is a 1953 science fiction novel by Wilmar H. Shiras. It collects and expands three earlier stories, including the well-known novella “In Hiding” from 1948.

Plot in simple terms:
- The story is set around 1972 in the United States.
- A small group of children are incredibly intelligent. They were born to workers at an atomic weapons facility and become orphans after their parents die from delayed radiation effects.
- These “mutants” with extraordinary minds hide their abilities from a world that wouldn’t understand them.
- They come together to study in secret at a special school for gifted children, so they won’t be feared or mistreated.
- The children read constantly, race through university courses, and publish many articles and stories under pen-names to hide their ages.
- The book focuses on intellect and curiosity rather than sensational powers, and explores how brilliant kids cope with being different in a world that doesn’t always accept them.

Themes and style:
- The book is seen as part of science fiction’s growth, moving away from gadget-filled adventures toward thoughtful analysis of ideas.
- It emphasizes community among outsiders and the tension between super-intelligence and ordinary society.
- Critics have compared it to Stapledon’s Odd John and praised its character development and sensitive, plain-spoken prose. Some reviewers felt the later novel-length expansion was talkative, lacking suspense, or not as strong as the original stories.

Reception:
- It’s been called a significant step for science fiction and remains notable for its focus on intellect and the experiences of gifted children.
- Opinions vary: some critics praised its depth and warmth, while others thought the expansion didn’t fully work as a single novel.

Publication details:
- First published in 1953 by Gnome Press, 216 pages.
- Originally appeared as stories in Astounding Science Fiction.