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4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
I'm so proud of my husband being a soldier in the US army.
It is INSANE to me that we are coming up on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. This MG book was incredibly powerful. It seems unreal that there are kids in school now who are learning about 9/11 in class like I learned about Pearl Harbor. I was 7 years old when 9/11 happened, and it’s still etched into my brain. I’d imagine, much like my family friend, who told me that she was 7 when Pearl Harbor happened, and remembered hearing FDR’s radio address.
I usually don’t enjoy dual timelines/narratives, but I thought this book was masterfully done. I especially thought the later conversations between Reshmina and Taz were a much needed addition to the MG (and adult!) space.
I usually don’t enjoy dual timelines/narratives, but I thought this book was masterfully done. I especially thought the later conversations between Reshmina and Taz were a much needed addition to the MG (and adult!) space.
I’m not a child so definitely not the intended audience. I know Gratz has captivated a lot of my boys with his books. However, as an adult, I am not impressed. His descriptions of side characters are a little awkward and the storyline was extremely predictable. Now, I was also alive when this event happened and kids reading it weren’t so I’m sure that’s different from a juveniles perspective. The audiobook does a great job with distinguishing between the two characters and is read well. Maybe some of his other work is more interesting?
Alan Gratz has done it again! What an extraordinary book.
Told from 2 different perspectives:
Brandon on September 11, 2001 is a 9-year old kid who was suspended from school and has to go to work with his dad, who is a chef at Windows on the World, on the 107th floor of the North Tower.
And Reshmina, an 11-year old girl living in Afghanistan in 2019, amid the "War on Terror".
Each chapter goes back and forth as we painstakingly uncover the events of the day on Sept. 11, 2001 with Brandon and learn about what life is like living among a war zone and the constant battle between the Americans and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Even 21 years later, I choked up reading many of Brandon's parts as Gratz has written them in such a compelling way. My 11-year old daughter chose this for her and I to read aloud together. It made for some great discussions. especially as we read it around September 11.
Told from 2 different perspectives:
Brandon on September 11, 2001 is a 9-year old kid who was suspended from school and has to go to work with his dad, who is a chef at Windows on the World, on the 107th floor of the North Tower.
And Reshmina, an 11-year old girl living in Afghanistan in 2019, amid the "War on Terror".
Each chapter goes back and forth as we painstakingly uncover the events of the day on Sept. 11, 2001 with Brandon and learn about what life is like living among a war zone and the constant battle between the Americans and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Even 21 years later, I choked up reading many of Brandon's parts as Gratz has written them in such a compelling way. My 11-year old daughter chose this for her and I to read aloud together. It made for some great discussions. especially as we read it around September 11.
Shockingly this is my first Alan Gratz book, but it definitely won’t be my last! 9/11 changed my generation in a way that is difficult to explain to our children. This book was hauntingly well written and brought vivid memories back from that day. The dual storyline worked so well for this book! Just read it.
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Brandon wasn't even supposed to be at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. But when he finds himself amidst the chaos-and separated from his dad-he will find himself in a situation no one could have predicted in the fight for his life.
Eighteen years later, Reshmina lives is a rural part of northern Afghanistan and diligently studies her English lessons in the hope of one day finding a better life than most women have in her country. But when she decides to help an injured American soldier near her village, she will put everyone around her in danger.
A timely release for the twentieth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, and one that will prompt good thought and debate for readers. Gratz has included a wonderful overview of topics mentioned in the book.
Eighteen years later, Reshmina lives is a rural part of northern Afghanistan and diligently studies her English lessons in the hope of one day finding a better life than most women have in her country. But when she decides to help an injured American soldier near her village, she will put everyone around her in danger.
A timely release for the twentieth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, and one that will prompt good thought and debate for readers. Gratz has included a wonderful overview of topics mentioned in the book.