A family reels from the long-lasting effects of WWII nuclear fallout, but this isn't in a foreign country. This is in Washington state, and the effects are all too real.
Asher seems to make his dad furious, no matter what he does. In hopes of getting his dad back to normal, whatever that is, he looks for a way to fix it all. But he soon finds that he's bitten off more than he can chew, when he discovers clues suggesting his grandpa's death may not have been as natural as he was led to believe. The secrets he uncovers might change everything, but what does a nuclear bomb from 60 years ago have to do with his grandpa's death and his dad hating the world?
Asher, Mari, and their quirky little sisters team up to solve the mystery before Asher's dad destroys the family. It doesn't take long, though, for Asher to realize that trying to save someone else can end up putting yourself at risk.
Through the support of Mari and their top secret spy sisters, Asher uncovers enraging revelations about his grandfather's death, but realizes, a little too late, that some mysteries are better left unsolved.
Yelling at the Stars contains historical details mixed with painfully real family dynamics. It sheds light on the devastation caused by The Manhattan Project's Hanford Nuclear Plant in Washington State. It sheds light on the effects it had, not only on the people of Japan through the creation of the atomic bomb, but also on the communities surrounding the plant that suffered the effects of the government's purposeful release of radiation on to the public.
For seasoned and struggling readers alike, this book is written with built-in supports for all readers, including a glossary, comprehension techniques, and prompts to help readers discuss the themes. At the same time, the book doesn't dumb down word choice or content, but instead helps all levels of readers connect with the powerful message.
