Ground Zero
| Modern Age |
|---|
 Ground Zero
|
| Content Warning |
|---|
| death of a parent on page and death of parent prior to the story, lots of deaths described on page during the events of 9/11, war scenes, deaths and injuries |
American History > Modern Age > 9/11
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.
In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present.
September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive -- and escape?
September 11, 2019, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz -- and put herself and her family in mortal danger?
Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.
Emily's Review
This is the first book I've actually read that deals directly with the events of 9/11. This book was riveting, emotional, and impactful. I recommend reading with a box of tissues nearby, because this book will break your heart.
Told in dual perspectives, the author weaves together two timelines. Brandon is a 9-year-old boy who, because he was suspended from school, had to go with his father to work at the World Trade Center on that fateful day. His father works at the restaurant on the 107th floor. Brandon bears witness to the events of 9/11 as they unfold. Reshmina is an 11-year-old Afghani girl who is living in a warzone between the American soldiers and the Taliban. She is angry at the state of her country and her lack of a future and she's desperate to keep her twin brother from joining the Taliban like all the other boys in her village.
This story is raw and intense. Both characters are dealing with some very harrowing situations, so there are tons of content warnings in this story. The characters are very believable and the writing is very fast-paced. The author brings up some great topics for conversation, like being for things, rather than against them, questioning the purpose of the war in Afghanistan and how the war affects the Afghani people, discussions of Taliban rule, etc. The author includes an extensive note at the end giving more background information.
This is an important book, but it is also a difficult one to recommend because it's so intense and upsetting. If your child is not sensitive, I'd say this is a good one for kids ages 12 and up.
Other Similar Books
Other suggestions on the subject of 9/11.
- Towers Falling (by: Parker Rhodes, Jewell, MG)
- Ground Zero (by: Gratz, Alan, UMG, YA)
- Shooting Kabul (by: Senzai, N. H., UMG)
- A Very Large Expanse of Sea (by: Mafi, Tahereh, YA)
- All We Have Left (by: Mills, Wendy, YA)