This first novel from Nebula Award-winning short story writer Ellen Klages was picked as a Junior Library Guild selection and named a Book Sense #1 Children's Pick. It follows a young girl named Dewey, whose father is part of a super-secret project in 1943 Los Alamos. Dewey, a gifted scientist herself, slowly realizes the implications of "the gadget" her father is working on. She and Suze, another Los Alamos child, find comfort in each other's friendship. "An intense but accessible page-turner ... history and story are drawn together with confidence."-Horn Book Magazine, starred review
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"Very great book, i enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend reading this book, at first it was just interesting to read, but about halfway through the story it got a lot more suspenseful and even pretty sad after there was death, and happiness after a friendship was gained. Great book. "
— 704yaroslav (4 out of 5 stars)
" Its not my favorite, but still its a good book. "
— Steven, 2/11/2014" I didn't like the book really. I like a book that could keep me reading this book didn't really do that. I'm more of an action person. To me it was a sleeper. Its about living in the war the danger of being bombed was scary. It's not a book that i would like to read. So if you the opposite of me then i would recombined it if not then i would not. "
— Nick, 2/6/2014" Fabulous! Next to "The Book Thief" this is my favorite Mother-Daughter Book Group selection. "
— Jennifer, 2/6/2014" This was an excellent book - after finishing it I spent hours on the internet researching this time period/subject. The historical setting, characters, etc. were so interesting. It's one of those that get better the more I think about it. Definitely recommended! "
— Robynne, 2/4/2014" Loved this book. I'm a big fan of YA books and historical fiction, and this is both! "
— Eve, 1/24/2014" I loved this book, it was a look into Los Alamos during one of the most important times in United States history. "
— Frannie, 1/18/2014" This book was amazing. I love the characters and their unique personalities. "
— Bre, 12/28/2013" Great book for middle schoolers to learn about the atomic bomb. A little to simple for an adult reader. "
— Stacy, 12/21/2013" The stories of Suze and Dewey, who at first seem so different but soon find out they are more similar then they think. WONDERFUL BOOK!!!!!! "
— Alexis, 12/18/2013" During the war. Girl having a hard time. Sort of confusing... "
— Cailey, 11/29/2013" The book is historical fiction at its best. One experiences the heat and isolation and angst along with Dewey and Suze and learn a lot about the times. It was an engrossing read and is an excellent book for all ages. "
— Jan, 11/26/2013" I was really slow for me. It's about war and the atomic bomb. "
— Brenbren13, 11/24/2013" Especially relevant again with what is happening in Japan. "
— Carolien, 11/22/2013" Listened to this one. Great for Army Brats (like me!) and fans of WWII fiction. Thanks for the rec, Jerm! "
— Katie, 11/20/2013" It really hooks you and gets you to want to read more "
— Peggy, 11/19/2013" Really great historical fiction. It is interesting to read a take on Los Alamos and The Manhattan Project from a child's perspective. That being said, it can also be frustrating because you don't get any of the details. "
— Lady, 9/10/2013" A nice book that builds around a serious subject of the atomic bomb and also, at the same time, teen meanness. Entertaining reading. "
— Miao, 8/25/2013" I LOVED THIS BOOK!! It was sooooo good. It was really interesting how Dewey and Suze became friends in the end. "
— Heidi, 7/30/2013" Historical fiction certainly can be set within the last 70 years! This one's for WWII buffs, opponents of nuclear power, and readers who enjoy a good story about growing up. "
— Dena, 12/17/2012" was okay a bit boring for school to "
— Avigael, 6/25/2012" This book was fun to read. I think Jordan should read this - Connor already has and liked it as well. "
— Alison, 2/7/2012" I liked how it told the story from two different girls point of views "
— Jackie, 11/28/2011" Once you get into this book, it's really great. Two girls come to live in Los Alamos, and form a friendship. This story told how you can find a friend in the least likely of places, and how the war effected the children of the scientists. "
— Sarah, 5/6/2011" a beautiful storry of life during WWII. Somehow it could have been a sister in my family. The wonder, the concern, the changes that affected so many of us. "
— Linda, 4/20/2011" great book....takes you back to the time when u were a kid. Ellen Klages smartly injects history into the book as well, a period in time thats important to Americans....not too climaxic, but an overall good book "
— Sarah, 4/13/2011" Wow, where did this book and writer come from- out of nowhere! Great story and characters and the cover of the book is mind blowing. "
— Michael, 3/21/2011Ellen Klages is the author of two acclaimed historical novels, The Green Glass Sea, which won the Scott O’Dell Award and the New Mexico Book Award, and White Sands, Red Menace, which won the California and New Mexico Book awards. Her story, “Basement Magic,” won a Nebula Award, and “Wakulla Springs,” co-authored with Andy Duncan, which was nominated for the Nebula, Hugo, and Locus awards, won the World Fantasy Award for Best Novella.
Julie Dretzin, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an actress who has appeared in Breaking Bad and several motion pictures, including the film adaptation of Alex Flinn’s Beastly.