WHITE SANDS, RED MENACE

This sequel to THE GREEN GLASS SEA (2006) equals, or even surpasses, the earlier work. It's just after WWII, and young Dewey has lived with her best friend, Suze, and the Gordon family since her dad's death. Mixed feelings regarding the atomic bombing of Japan and feelings of extreme patriotism abound at Los Alamos as Americans examine the past and look to the future. Narrator Julie Dretzin is astonishing as she portrays the girls growing up and becoming closer. Dretzin also depicts diverse adults, including the Los Alamos bomb-making experts, whose German accents are spot-on. Dretzin's consummate skill in presenting a range of emotion and situations makes an outstanding story even better. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2010]