THE GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages

THE GREEN GLASS SEA by Ellen Klages

Bibliography:  Klages, Ellen. 2006. THE GREEN GLASS SEA. New York, NY. Puffin Books/Penguin Books. ISBN: 978-0-14-241149-0.

Plot Summary: The Green Glass Sea follows the story of two girls, Suze and Dewey, in 1943 to 1945.  Both girls live on “The Hill” in Los Alamos, New Mexico on an army science base.  Suze’s parents and Dewey’s father are all scientists working on “the gadget.” The base is a secret and everything and everyone on the base is a secret. Through a series of events, Dewey goes and lives with Suze’s family for a while so her father can go work at the White House.  There is an accident and Dewey has to stay with Suze’s family for “the duration.” Dewey knows that once the scientists test the gadget they will use it and end the war, leaving her nowhere to live.

Critical Analysis:  I really enjoyed reading this book. However, there aren’t very many high points in the story.  The story is set during World War II making the atmosphere very drudging as was appropriate for that time. The problem I had with the story is that the characters are never allowed to be happy or uplifted until the very last page.  Dewey seems to be the target of every bad thing throughout her life.  The other main character, Suze, is bullied and called horrible names.  Another issue I had was the language.  There was quite a bit of profanity that many parents would find way too strong for their children to read. 

            All this aside, the story very period appropriate and extremely well written.  Take away the profanity and add some high points and I would have enjoyed it immensely.

Review Excerpts:

·      Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

·      Publisher’s Weekly: “The author provides much insight into controversies surrounding the making of the bomb and brings to life the tensions of war experienced by adults and children alike.”

·      Voice of Youth Advocates: “Suze and Dewey have their differences, but they become friends in the center of one of the most debated and notorious places of that era. Poetic and real, this one will keep you reading and leave you thinking.”

Connections:

·      This book depicts the World War II era just exactly how it was, making this book a great supplement to any WWII research or study.

·      The language makes the book more appropriate for older students.  This would be a great way to show students how other children reacted to the events of the 1930’s and 1940’s.

·      Other books by this author:

o   Klages, Ellen. 2008. WHITE SANDS, RED MENACE. New York, NY: Viking Juvenile/ Penguin Books. ISBN: 978-0679962359.

o   Klages, Ellen. 2007. PORTABLE CHILDHOODS. San Francisco, CA: Taychon Publishing. ISBN: 978-1892391452.