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.

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.

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

Ellen Klages

Middle grade

Novel

The Gordon Family Saga

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1943”

Part 1 The Green Glass Sea Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1944”

Part 2 The Green Glass Sea Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “1945”

Part 3, Chapters 8-18

The Green Glass Sea Part 3, Chapters 8-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 19-28

The Green Glass Sea Part 3, Chapters 19-28 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Green Glass Sea Character Analysis

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Themes

The Green Glass Sea Themes

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The Green Glass Sea

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