Skip to main content

Books That Take You There: 9/11

September 11, 2001 will always live in the minds and hearts of Americans because of the horrific terrorist attacks that were carried out at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that day. Around 2,977 people lost their lives, and many tales of bravery and heroism have come to light. The following books provide more information on the events as they unfolded, as well as, more personal remembrances and stories.

Smoke at the Pentagon: Poems to Remember
Written by Jacqueline Jules 
Illustrated by Eszter Anna RĆ”cz
Fresno, CA: Moon Shower, an imprint of Bushel & Peck books, 2023. Informational. 

Told in numerous points of view of young people living in the area of northern Virginia at the time of the attack on the Pentagon, this novel in verse is composed from composites of their personal experiences. 

By Amy Maranville
North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 2022. Informational. 32 pages.

An informative look at what led to the attacks, details from the day itself, and the impact these events have had on America as its moved forward. Chapters include: A Tuesday Morning, Two More Planes, Inside the Buildings, and A Changed World. 

Written by Lauren Tarshis
Illustrated Janice Chang
New York: Scholastic Inc., 2021. Comics. 147 pages. 

A graphic novel adaptation of the ever-popular I Survived series, I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 follows the character of Lucas who on the morning of 9/11 is traveling into New York City to talk over his parents' decision that he quit football with his Uncle Benny, a firefighter. But, just as he arrives at the firehouse, the events of that memorable day begin to unfold. A gripping fictional storyline that includes informational back matter and photographs, this graphic novel will appeal to history lovers and comic buffs alike.

Written by Marcie Colleen
Illustrated by Aaron Becker
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2021. Informational. 

Survivor Tree gives a sensitive, multi-layered look at the true story of a Callery pear tree that grew at the base of the twin towers. The tree's story is bolstered by a correlating illustrative timeline of a brother and sister growing up with the tree, and subsequently the sister's implied loss in one of the towers. Closure is reached when the tree, after being nurtured back to health over nine years, is returned to the 9/11 Memorial. 






Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) by Pamela Espeland & Elizabeth Verdick

If there's one book today's kids need to read, it is Dude, That's Rude! (Get Some Manners) . The authors provide a fun format for teaching etiquette to children. They discuss proper behavior at home, at school, at other people's homes and in public places. The information is completely up-to-date with cellphone manners and netiquette included. Fun, cartoony illustrations are on practically every page giving the book great visual appeal. This book is perfect for boys and girls in the fourth grade or older. WARNING: Bodily functions are discussed.

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin Illustrated by Leslie Evans Charlesburg; 2009; unpaged Faces of the Moon is a short nonfiction book that describes the different phases of the moon and why the moon appears like it does on certain nights. This book is short and sweet so even the youngest of moon lovers will enjoy it. The layout is simplistic and easy to follow. I don’t know much about the moon so I found it very interesting.

Books That Take You There: Egypt

My parents are currently planning their first visit to Egypt. And they’re going without me . Like many of you, I’ve always found Egypt fascinating, whether learning about the gross details of making a mummy or eating delicious Egyptian food eaten by people who live there today. And if we can’t all go to Cairo with my parents, we can at least take a little trip through a few books that can take us straight to Egypt! Tail of the Mummy Cat  Written by Chas! Pangburn  Illustrated by Nic Touris  Miami, FL: Papercutz, an imprint of Mad Cave Studios, 2024. Comic. 132 pages.  Nana and Otto are siblings who visit Egypt with their travel-blogger mom. Nan loves learning about Egypt and its history, while Otto wishes he could’ve stayed home. However, both of their plans change when they accidentally let a mummified cat loose from a Pharaoh’s tomb. This graphic novel lets you see both of the sibling’s perspectives through this adventure —and their stories don’t always agree! This...