Book excerpt: In the 1980s nuclear power provided electricity for much of the Soviet Union. But the nuclear reactors were badly designed, and the workers were poorly trained. Late one night in 1986, the workers at Chernobyl were running tests when things went horribly wrong. Learn about the consequences of an explosion that released dangerous radioactive material into the atmosphere. Timelines, a glossary, ideas for research, and suggestions for future reading are included in this gripping read about the worst nuclear accident in history. This book highlights the dangers of radioactive material and nuclear waste.