Books for Tough Subjects: September 11th

In the wake of the 15 year anniversary of the tragedy that took place on September 11th, 2001 many books and movies have come out about the events. It seems like this year even more so because of the 15 year anniversary. These events can leave our younger students confused, and with many questions. I waded through the dozens of children's books about the events and created a list of my top picks.

1. Towers Falling - Written by Jewel Parker Rhodes

When her fifth-grade teacher hints that a series of lessons about home and community will culminate with one big answer about two tall towers once visible outside their classroom window, Deja can't help but feel confused. She sets off on a journey of discovery, with new friends Ben and Sabeen by her side. But just as she gets closer to answering big questions about who she is, what America means, and how communities can grow (and heal), she uncovers new questions, too. Like, why does Pop get so angry when she brings up anything about the towers?

2. What were the Twin Towers? -Written by Jim O'Connor

When the Twin Towers were built in 1973, they were billed as an architectural wonder. At 1,368 feet, they clocked in as the tallest buildings in the world and changed the New York City skyline dramatically. Offices and corporations moved into the towers—also known as the World Trade Center—and the buildings were seen as the economic hub of the world. But on September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack toppled the towers and changed our nation forever. Discover the whole story of the Twin Towers—from their ambitious construction to their tragic end.

3. The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story- Written by Cheryl Somers Aubin

Through evocative prose and watercolor illustrations, The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story takes the reader on a journey of hope and healing that parallels our nation's own journey following the events of September 11, 2001.A month after the collapse of the Twin Towers, workers on the site discovered a few green leaves showing through the gray concrete and ash. Clearing the debris, they found a badly injured Callery Pear Tree. She was rescued, taken to a nursery outside the city, and put in the care of Richie, a City Parks Worker. No one was sure if she would live. But the following spring, a dove built a nest in her branches and new green buds appeared.Over the years, the tree, although still bearing scars, grew tall and strong. She is planted in a place of honor on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and now known as "The 9/11 Survivor Tree." This story imaginatively describes the experience, memories, and feelings of the tree throughout her healing and her eventual return home. **All profits from the sale of this book go to charity.**

4. September 12th: We Knew Everything Would Be All Right written by the students at Masterson Elementary

Heartfelt and touching book by 1st graders at Masterson Elementary School in Kennet, Missouri, about the day after the tragic events of September 11th. These students were given a commemorative SeptOn September 11th horrific events occurred, yet through the simple text and vibrant art of first graders, we are reminded that the world continued the next day. On each page, children experience the comforts of ordinary routines, such as their teacher reading books to them, having homework and recess, and knowing that 2 + 2 still equals 4. This is a poignant message of hope that reassures us all that even after bad things happen, tomorrow always brings a new day.

5.The Little Chapel that stood- Written by A.B. Curtiss

Beautifully illustrated book tells of the historic chapel less than 100 yards from the Twin Towers that miraculously survived on 9-11. Firemen hung their shoes on the fence and raced to help the people in the towers: Oh what gallant men did we lose/Who never came back to get their shoes. The story of terror overcome by courage and bravery that teaches us no one is too small to make a difference.

6. On that day- Written by Andrea Patel

Sometimes bad things happen in the world. But there will always be good things in the world, too. You are one of those good things.With simple language and a heart-felt message, Andrea Patel addresses a timely and timeless question: What can you do when bad things happen? "Whatever we as teachers, and as adults, can offer the children-and each other-in the way of reassurance, and hope, and optimism, can only help heal us all." -author, Andrea Patel