John Hersey's Hiroshima is one of the narratives that have shaped our world, and is a great core text for a study of journalism, modern non-fiction, or life-writing. This extensive, 54-page unit comprises:
 
An introductory section on the event
Six sections on each of the work's parts
An extra/extension section on short films about nuclear issues
A bibliography of the influence of Hersey's journalism
A close-reading exercise which compares Hersey's style in 1946 and 1985
A list of long-form analytical and creative responses
Several contextual texts including the JapaneseImperial Rescript of Surrender and the Renunciation of Imperial Divinity; poetry by other survivors, and other American essays justifying the military's decision
 
This unit was tested with a mixed-ability Year 10 class (age 15-16) and a lower-ability Year 11 (age 16-17) class.