
Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'gear' that doesn't quite fit into the social machine or when they are struggling to find common ground with peers who have different interests. Set in the secret town of Los Alamos during WWII, the story follows Dewey, a lonely girl who loves gadgets and radio parts, and Suze, an artist who is equally misunderstood. It is a brilliant exploration of how shared curiosity can bridge the gap between different personalities. The story handles heavy themes like the creation of the atomic bomb and the sudden loss of a parent with a quiet, realistic dignity. It is ideal for middle grade readers who enjoy history but are more interested in the human relationships behind the headlines. You might choose this to help a child process grief or to celebrate the beauty of being 'different' and finding a true friend who appreciates your unique mind.
Questioning the ethics of creating a weapon of mass destruction.
The tension of the top-secret mission and the desert environment.
Themes of loneliness, parental absence, and the impact of war.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the immediate shock and the subsequent community support. It also touches on the ethical ambiguity of the Manhattan Project. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality.
A 10 to 12 year old child who is technically minded, perhaps loves LEGOs or coding, and feels socially isolated from more 'conventional' peers. It is perfect for the child who values intellectual connection over popularity.
Parents should be aware of the chapter where a major character dies suddenly in a car accident. This may require some processing if the child has experienced recent loss. A parent might see their child being teased for their specific, intense hobbies or notice their child struggling to find a friend who truly 'gets' them.
Younger readers will focus on the 'gadgetry' and the fun of the secret town. Older readers will grasp the moral weight of the bomb and the nuanced social friction between the girls.
Unlike many WWII books that focus on the front lines, this highlights the 'backstage' of history through the eyes of children who are scientists in their own right.
In 1943, 11-year-old Dewey Kerrigan moves to Los Alamos, New Mexico, a secret government site where her father and other scientists are developing the atomic bomb. Dewey is a budding engineer who prefers 'junk' and mechanics to dolls. She eventually finds an unlikely friend in Suze, whose mother is also a scientist. Together, they navigate the social hierarchies of the base and the looming shadow of the Trinity test.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review