About This Book
"The Gadget" is a compelling historical novel set in 1945 Los Alamos, New Mexico, where 13-year-old Stephen Orr arrives to live with his physicist father. His father is part of a top-secret project, codenamed "the gadget," aimed at ending World War II. Stephen quickly senses the immense pressure and secrecy surrounding the project. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand what his father is involved in, Stephen, along with his new friend Alexei, embarks on a dangerous mission to spy on the scientists. The book explores themes of wartime secrecy, the ethical implications of scientific advancements, and a young boy's quest for truth amidst global conflict. It's suitable for middle-grade readers aged 8-12, offering a suspenseful narrative grounded in a pivotal historical moment. Parents should be prepared for discussions about war, espionage, and the atomic bomb.
In 1945, having joined his father at Los Alamos, where he and other scientists are working on a secret project to end World War II, thirteen-year-old Stephen becomes caught in a web of secrecy and intrigue.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How did Stephen feel about the secrecy surrounding his father's work? Have you ever had to keep a big secret?
2
What are the ethical questions raised by the scientists working on "the gadget"?
3
How does Stephen's friendship with Alexei influence his actions?
4
What does this book teach us about World War II and the atomic bomb?
5
If you were Stephen, would you have tried to uncover the secret, or would you have left it alone? Why?
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