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A review by lauriehnatiuk
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for a digital eARC of this book.
Alan Gratz’s latest book, Ground Zero will have fans familiar with his books and his writing lining up to read this one as he tackles a topic that is a tough one – in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
As with previous books, Gratz uses two perspectives to give us a glimpse into two parts of the world – New York City, the day of 9/11 and present-day Afghanistan. Nine-year-old Brandon is with his father in the North Tower due to his suspension. It is just him and his dad, with no one else able to look after him, Brandon has to go to work with his dad. Flash forward to the present-day, and we meet 11-year old Reshmina in war-torn Afghanistan. Reshmina puts her entire village at risk when she rescues a badly injured American soldier nicknamed Taz.
For some readers, this may be the first time they read a book about 9/11, and the story of Brandon is detailed and gut-wrenching. Readers get a feel of what happened and what individuals there that day went through. If unfamiliar with the details, I suspect many will want to know more about the events of that tragic day, leading to richer discussions.
Reshmina’s story is just as important. Alan Gratz’s research allows readers to experience Reshmina’s life and what life is like in war-torn Afghanistan. Reshmina has only lived in a country that has been ravaged by war, whether it be different countries invading her homeland or its civil war. Ground Zero shares the point of view that the people of a particular country may not see another county’s involvement as positive. It may be more harmful, placing the lives of the Afghanistan villagers in danger. The tumultuous relationship with her brother and the Taliban demonstrates how families are torn apart and will allow for discussions about global and internal relationships.
Those familiar with Refugee may go ahhhhh, he did it again tying these two stories together told years apart, and I must admit it is a great way to sync them and provide hope. I would be remiss if I did not mention that despite the research that Gratz did for this novel – he did not reach out to an #ownvoices author. Having an author from Afghanistan co-write or even consult today is something that editors and publishers need to be on the look-out, and then suggest/guide authors to ensure that all voices are heard and represented.
Alan Gratz’s latest book, Ground Zero will have fans familiar with his books and his writing lining up to read this one as he tackles a topic that is a tough one – in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
As with previous books, Gratz uses two perspectives to give us a glimpse into two parts of the world – New York City, the day of 9/11 and present-day Afghanistan. Nine-year-old Brandon is with his father in the North Tower due to his suspension. It is just him and his dad, with no one else able to look after him, Brandon has to go to work with his dad. Flash forward to the present-day, and we meet 11-year old Reshmina in war-torn Afghanistan. Reshmina puts her entire village at risk when she rescues a badly injured American soldier nicknamed Taz.
For some readers, this may be the first time they read a book about 9/11, and the story of Brandon is detailed and gut-wrenching. Readers get a feel of what happened and what individuals there that day went through. If unfamiliar with the details, I suspect many will want to know more about the events of that tragic day, leading to richer discussions.
Reshmina’s story is just as important. Alan Gratz’s research allows readers to experience Reshmina’s life and what life is like in war-torn Afghanistan. Reshmina has only lived in a country that has been ravaged by war, whether it be different countries invading her homeland or its civil war. Ground Zero shares the point of view that the people of a particular country may not see another county’s involvement as positive. It may be more harmful, placing the lives of the Afghanistan villagers in danger. The tumultuous relationship with her brother and the Taliban demonstrates how families are torn apart and will allow for discussions about global and internal relationships.
Those familiar with Refugee may go ahhhhh, he did it again tying these two stories together told years apart, and I must admit it is a great way to sync them and provide hope. I would be remiss if I did not mention that despite the research that Gratz did for this novel – he did not reach out to an #ownvoices author. Having an author from Afghanistan co-write or even consult today is something that editors and publishers need to be on the look-out, and then suggest/guide authors to ensure that all voices are heard and represented.