Most Dangerous by Steve Sheinkin is highly praised for its thrilling narrative and meticulous research, making complex historical events accessible and engaging for younger audiences. Critics commend its suspenseful storytelling and educational value. However, some note that dense political details may challenge less motivated readers. Overall, it is a compelling read with profound insights.

A reader who would enjoy Most Dangerous by Steve Sheinkin likely has a keen interest in modern American history, political intrigue, and the ethics of government transparency. Similar audiences might also appreciate The Pentagon Papers by Neil Sheehan and The Radium Girls by Kate Moore. Perfect for fans of gripping true stories.

Most Dangerous by Steve Sheinkin recounts Daniel Ellsberg's journey from a Pentagon analyst during the Vietnam War to a whistleblower who released the Pentagon Papers, revealing government deceit. His actions sparked legal battles over press freedom and contributed to the war's end. The book covers the moral dilemmas and political intrigue surrounding the Vietnam War and the publication of classified information.

Informative / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Challenging

- Most Dangerous by Steve Sheinkin was a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, highlighting its critical acclaim and significance in the literary community.
- The book won the 2016 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, recognizing its exceptional quality in engaging younger readers with historical content.
- Steve Sheinkin is known for his accessible writing style, which has made complex historical events engaging and understandable for young readers.

**Daniel Ellsberg**  
A former government insider originally supportive of the Vietnam War, who later became an advocate for peace after obtaining and leaking the Pentagon Papers to expose government deception.

**President Lyndon B. Johnson**  
The U.S. president who escalated the Vietnam War significantly, experiencing personal conflict and public criticism due to the ongoing and unpopular conflict during his administration.

**President Richard Nixon**  
Elected as president in 1968 with a promise to end the Vietnam War, his actions were often at odds with his public stance, and he became embroiled in political scandals.

**Ho Chi Minh (Nguyen Tat Thanh)**  
Leader of North Vietnam's independence movement, who was known for his communist beliefs and played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War until his death in 1969.

**Patricia Marx**  
A journalist who was against the Vietnam War and had a complex romantic relationship with Daniel Ellsberg, eventually encouraging him to release the Pentagon Papers.

**Henry Kissinger**  
Nixon's national security advisor, known for his pivotal role in U.S. foreign policy during the Vietnam War and his adversarial stance against Ellsberg post-leak.

**Robert McNamara**  
The U.S. Secretary of Defense who initially supported Vietnam War escalation but later became disillusioned, commissioning the Pentagon Papers study to understand the war's failures.

Steve Sheinkin

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Overview

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Insider”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6

Most Dangerous Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-14

Most Dangerous Part 1, Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Secrets and Lies”

Part 2, Chapters 15-20

Most Dangerous Part 2, Chapters 15-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 21-26

Most Dangerous Part 2, Chapters 21-26 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Outsider”

Part 3, Chapters 27-33

Most Dangerous Part 3, Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 34-Epilogue

Most Dangerous Part 3, Chapter 34-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Essay Topics

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Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War

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