The Green Glass Sea: The Gordon Family Saga
#1 of 3 in The Gordon Family Saga Series
What’s inside...
It is 1943, and 11-year-old Dewey Kerrigan is traveling west on a train to live with her scientist father in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he is working on a top secret government program known as the Manhattan Project. Over the next few years, Dewey befriends eminent scientists, embarks on mechanical projects, bonds with a fellow misfit artist, and remains unaware of how the project will change the world. This book, with its fresh prose and intriguing subject, provides a unique perspective into a pivotal point in history. It is not only a story about a budding friendship during the war, but also a winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. The book, Green Glass Sea, is an insightful resource for middle-grade kids curious about this historical event.
Character compass
Dewey Kerrigan
Suze Gordon
Terry Gordon
Discussion points
How do you think Dewey felt when she had to adapt to new surroundings? What would you have done in her situation?
Why do you think the author chose the setting of Los Alamos during World War II for this story?
What role do you think teamwork played in the characters' experiences in the book?
How do the main characters change by the end of the story, and what do you think caused those changes?
What does the green glass sea symbolize in the book, and what does it mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters’ shoes to enhance empathy and understanding. Discuss the historical context of the story to give them a broader perspective. Use the symbolism in the book, like the green glass sea, to delve into deeper meanings and personal interpretations. Highlight the importance of resilience and adaptability as demonstrated by the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Suze Gordon, navigates the challenges of living in a secretive military town during World War II. Her resilience is shown as she adapts to new environments and overcomes personal and family struggles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change and overcome obstacles, understanding that resilience is key to facing life's challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Suze forms a close friendship with Dewey, another girl who lives in the town. Their collaboration on various projects, including navigating their personal dilemmas, exemplifies the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building strong relationships and working together to solve problems, both in school projects and in personal growth.
Example Lesson: The impact of war on families
Explanation: The story provides a child's perspective on how war changes lives, highlighting the emotional and social effects on families who have members involved in military service or war-related work.
Real-World Application: Children learn empathy and gain an understanding of historical events' impact on families, enhancing their emotional intelligence and historical knowledge.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: Suze's interest in science and environment exploration is a central theme, showcasing her curiosity and eagerness to learn despite the challenging circumstances.
Real-World Application: Fosters a love for learning and encourages children to explore their interests deeply, promoting educational growth and intellectual curiosity.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss and grief
Explanation: The book doesn't shy away from the theme of loss, as Suze deals with personal and communal losses due to the war. Her journey through grief is portrayed realistically and with sensitivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn about dealing with loss and the importance of support systems in times of grief, preparing them for inevitable challenges in life.