Historical Fiction: The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Klages, Ellen. (2006). The Green Glass Sea. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers. ISBN067061344

Summary

The Green Glass Sea is a touching tale of Dewey Kerrigan, the daughter of a scientist working with the Manhattan Project. Dewey leads an interesting life as a motherless child living in a top secret military operation... developing her own gadgets and gizmos, taking a big interest in radios, and, due to government needs and a tragic accident, learns to live life without her father. Living with a classmate who doesn’t particularly like her, Dewey experiences loneliness, loss, new friendship, and new excitements as the “gadget” is created and tested in Los Alamos.

Analysis

The story takes place in Los Alamos, New Mexico, the actual location of the Manhattan Project. Klages vividly illustrates “the Hill” through the descriptions of the housing, the high security, the dump, the nothingness of the surrounding areas, and finally, Trinity, the location of the first test of the atomic bomb. The novel is sectioned by year to depict the passage of time, while keeping dates relevant to historical events. The reader is kept on the edge of their seat throughout the entire story, wondering how long Dewey and her father will be separated, as well as the excitement building as the gadget gets closer and closer to being finished and tested.

Each character has a very special place in The Green Glass Sea. The reader can’t help but feel for Dewey as she experiences one difficulty after another…moving in with a grouchy neighbor due to her nana’s stroke, unexpectedly moving to a brand new place in the world, experiencing torment from other kids, and the loss of her father. The reader also grows with Suze, another child the same age as Dewey.  Suze tends to intimidate others but deep down, has good intentions. When Dewey’s father has to leave and, unbeknownst to them at the time, will never return, Dewey moves in with Suze’s family. The girls’ relationship begins with animosity, but later, develops into a well rounded friendship. Both girls are dynamic characters, changing with the celebrations and tragedies experienced in the story. All adults referenced have great importance, but emphasis is placed on their absences due to their influence on the “gadget”.

Numbers, Greek letters, and the importance of family are all emphasized throughout the book. Dewey often refers to her special connection with her father and his love of numbers and math, particularly when we learn that her birth name is Duodecima, the Latin word for twelve. After the news of her father’s tragic death, Dewey keeps her focus on numbers, because “numbers don’t change. Numbers don’t leave. Numbers don’t die.” Suze takes an interest in Greek letters. After learning about them from her parents, Suze uses Greek letters throughout her artwork and also as a secret language in her new friendship with Dewey. Finally, the reader feels tremendous pain for Dewey when she loses her father. She learns, however, that blood related or not, family will always take care of you.

Klages writes with clear passion about the project, linking Dewey’s fascination with gadgets to the actual military operation evolving. The descriptions of ID badges, secret addresses, and messages written in code help the reader sympathize with the hardships that come with living on government property and working within top secret organizations.

The inclusion of real historical figures such as Adolf Hitler and Franklin Roosevelt combined with trips to real locations, like the visit to Trinity after the test, establish authenticity of the historical fiction element to The Green Glass Sea. In her author’s note, Klages informs the reader of the real and fictional aspects of the story, and also includes references to World War II information.

Personal Response

The Green Glass Sea began slowly in my opinion, but once Dewey’s father was back in Washington, I felt as if I couldn’t put the book down. My heart broke for Dewey many times, but I also knew that, as a strong character, she would overcome each setback. I would highly recommend the book to other readers.

Awards and Reviews

A 2007 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winner

A 2007 Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature Winner

“The characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.” –John Green, Booklist

“If the book is a little slow-moving at times, the author provides much insight into the controversies surrounding the making of the bomb and brings to life the tensions of war experienced by adults and children alike.”” –Publishers Weekly

Connections

This novel lends itself to many curriculum connections. Students can research more information about the Manhattan Project, the Trinity Test, or World War II in general.

Related books:

Sheinkin, Steve. (2012). Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon.

New York, NY: Flash Point. ISBN 9781596434875.