49 pages • 1 hour read
The Green Glass Sea
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Los Alamos, New Mexico • 1940s
2006
Middle grade
10-14 years
790L
Super Short Summary
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages is set in New Mexico in 1943 and follows 11-year-old Dewey Kerrigan, a mechanical engineering prodigy, as she moves to Los Alamos to live with her father. Dewey befriends fellow outsider Susan Gordon, and together they navigate life in a secretive town where top scientists are working on the Manhattan Project during WWII. The narrative explores their friendship and experiences against the backdrop of historical developments in nuclear research.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
8,078 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages has been praised for its rich historical context and well-developed characters. Reviewers appreciate its authentic depiction of life during WWII and the nuanced portrayal of young protagonists. However, some critics feel the pacing is slow at times. Overall, it is commended for its insightful exploration of complex themes.
Who Should Read The Green Glass Sea?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong, young female protagonists, such as The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, will be captivated by The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages. Ideal for those intrigued by WWII history and coming-of-age stories.
8,078 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Los Alamos, New Mexico • 1940s
2006
Middle grade
10-14 years
790L
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