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4.35 AVERAGE
4.35 AVERAGE
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.
3.5 Brandon’s chapters were more riveting and consistent than Reshmina’s, The descriptions of deaths and injuries on 9/11 are intense. Well done juvenile historical action adventure.
Alan Gratz does it again. I thought I’d be ready to read a book about September 11th, but I was not prepared. It was really emotional, especially considering what happens to each of the characters. So good, just so good.
I read Ground Zero as part of my professional development as a teacher. Although my students have loved Alan Gratz for years, this was my first direct exposure to the author. Needless to say, I was not disappointed! Gratz writes with such detail that it's easy to visualize the tragedies unfolding in Brandon and Reshima's lives. Furthermore, his mini-cliffhangers at the end of each chapter had me begging for more (and staying up later than I probably should be)...
Gratz explores the point-of-view of two different characters, alternating perspective with each chapter. Brandon is a young boy separated from his father during the 9/11 attacks and needs to escape with the people around him. Reshmina lives in Afghanistan in 2019 and endures the poverty and conflicts of a never-ending war. I love that Gratz explored this conflict through a wider lens. He certainly doesn't shy away from the reality of destruction - both at the Twin Towers and in Afghanistan. I think it will challenge readers to reconsider our American identity, as well as the role we play in other countries. It's a novel that rife with discussion opportunities and teachable moments.
Of course, Gratz saves a huge reveal towards the end of the novel! I honestly did not see it coming AT ALL, but I think it makes a lot of sense creatively. We're able to see a better progression of the character and how his situation affected his world-view...and can still change. My only qualm was I wanted one or two more chapters of Brandon living with the Lowerys, but I also understand that's not the point of the novel. Overall, I found Ground Zero both thrilling and moving, and I have a feeling it will be a very popular selection this school year!
Gratz explores the point-of-view of two different characters, alternating perspective with each chapter. Brandon is a young boy separated from his father during the 9/11 attacks and needs to escape with the people around him. Reshmina lives in Afghanistan in 2019 and endures the poverty and conflicts of a never-ending war. I love that Gratz explored this conflict through a wider lens. He certainly doesn't shy away from the reality of destruction - both at the Twin Towers and in Afghanistan. I think it will challenge readers to reconsider our American identity, as well as the role we play in other countries. It's a novel that rife with discussion opportunities and teachable moments.
Of course, Gratz saves a huge reveal towards the end of the novel! I honestly did not see it coming AT ALL, but I think it makes a lot of sense creatively. We're able to see a better progression of the character and how his situation affected his world-view...and can still change. My only qualm was I wanted one or two more chapters of Brandon living with the Lowerys, but I also understand that's not the point of the novel. Overall, I found Ground Zero both thrilling and moving, and I have a feeling it will be a very popular selection this school year!
Relentless and breath-stealing.
I have always admired Gratz’s ability to bring hard events to children. Some are almost too much for me, but I trust young readers to know what they are ready for. Some of the summation dialogue at the end between Rashmina and Taz is a little to ‘on the nose.’ But will help young readers wrestle with difficult truths.
I have always admired Gratz’s ability to bring hard events to children. Some are almost too much for me, but I trust young readers to know what they are ready for. Some of the summation dialogue at the end between Rashmina and Taz is a little to ‘on the nose.’ But will help young readers wrestle with difficult truths.
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated