Book Review: THE GREEN GLASS SEA

Klages, Ellen. (2006). The green glass sea. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 9780545036139

Plot Summary 

The year is 1943 and young Dewey finds herself moving to Los Alamos, New Mexico as her father, a scientist, works for the military on a top secret project. There Dewey embarks on a new journey as she deals with the ups and downs of life. Dewey is a unique individual with a disability who loves to fix broken radios using knick-knacks out of anything she can find. She makes new friends and becomes a part of a new family. 

Critical Analysis 

As you read the story The Green Glass Sea, the author accurately portrays the setting (food, housing, entertainment) in the era of World War II. Klages writes about static radio, coupons to redeem for food or gas, comic books, etc. The characters are relatable as I am sure we know of those unique individuals or being raised by one parent (Dewey), “down to earth” friends, and someone who will do whatever it takes to fit it (Suze). Overall it is a great book that takes place seventy plus years ago, as the children today would be able to read and learn a little about the World War II era. Author Klages leaves the readers with an author’s note explaining how there is a town named Los Alamos and there were scientists secretly working on what is known today as the atomic bomb. 

Review Excerpt (s) 

-Booklist (2006) “the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes”

-Horn Book Guide starred (2007) “History and story are drawn together with confidence in this intense but accessible page-turner.”

-School Library Journal (2006) “Clear prose brings readers right into the unusual atmosphere of the secretive scientific community, seen through the eyes of the kids and their families.”

Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction - 2007

Judy Lopez Memorial Award - 2007

New Mexico Book Award For Best Young Adult Book - 2007

Connections 

This book could be tied into social studies as students learn cardinal directions and locations of the different places mentioned in the book. The students could pinpoint the different locations of the book so they gain a clearer understanding of the setting. 

Further readings include: 

Zindel, Paul. The Gadget. ISBN 9780440229513

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Willow Run. ISBN 9780440238010