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 Rácz

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.

The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks: A Day That Changed America

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.

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001

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.

Survivor Tree

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

Funny Farm by Mark Teague 2009

There are things I liked about Mark Teague's newest book, Funny Farm , and things I didn't like. Where should I start? I'll do the "didn'ts" first. The illustrations show animals personified. Well, some of the animals are. The main characters, Edward, and his farm family relatives, all dogs, are humanized. They stand upright, do farm chores, eat at a table, wear clothes, knit (yes, with paws) and sleep in beds. Most everybody else on and around the farm, who are also animals, act like animals. They are outside, roll in mud, live in the barn, and require care from their owners. It struck me the most on the page spread where there are pigs playing in puddle in the rain and Edward, a black and white boxer, watches from inside the house. I thought "You're a dog! Go play with them!" But, alas, he can't, seeing as how he goes through his entire visit to the farm wearing a suit and red bow tie. Another picture that bothered me was the maple syrup pa...

Review: Super Boba Cafe

Super Boba Café By Nidhi Chanani New York: Amulet Books, 2023. Comics. 215 pages. 14-year-old Aria is excited to spend her summer in San Francisco getting quality time with her Nainai. She loves helping at her grandmother's Super Boba Café. But she can't help but notice that her grandmother is acting strange and secretive. She refuses to let Aria into the kitchen at all and she disappears at the same time each night without telling Aria where she goes. Meanwhile, Aria is eager to drum up more business for Super Boba Café. She gets a major windfall when the shop cat, Bao, surprises them by having kittens, and Aria realizes this is a major social media opportunity. She knows this will help Nainai's shop, but she is apprehensive to get back on social media after a terrible cyberbullying experience she had back home. As the shop starts to get busier, Nainai is more and more anxious about her secret project. This prompts Aria to investigate with help from her Nainai's neighb...

Review: The Mixed-Up Owl

The Mixed-Up Owl Written by Marzena Sowa Illustrated by Joanna Lorno New York : Hippo Park, 2025. Picture Book. When Owl can't sleep at night, he heads off to see if any forest animals can help him understand why, and even more so, how to fix it! Unfortunately, all the animals Owl runs into at night are asleep and all the animals he meets during the day are too rude or too busy to answer him. Will Owl give up or will a chance meeting with a grumpy hedgehog provide all the solutions Owl was looking for? The premise of an owl trying to stay awake during the day because all the other animals around him do is very fun. Kids who know that owls are nocturnal will get a kick out of Owl's confusion and be quick to try to tell him what's going on. Readers who don't know many facts about owls (or nocturnal animals in general) will get a brief introduction to the different ways animals sleep. The illustrations are charming, especially cute Owl and his expressive body langua...

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