The terrorism that shook the world on 9/11 has long lasting and still palpable repercussions. But it is a difficult topic to introduce children at tender ages to. So, we’ve made a list of books about 9/11 which are written specially for young readers. These books are written with love, sensitivity and humour, keeping young audiences in mind.
Books About 9/11: Written Specially For Young Readers
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
This follows the acquaintance of our young protagonist Deja with the 9/11 attacks. Her teacher says that the next series of lectures will reveal what happened to the two towers that could be seen from the school window at one point. Written with sensitive brilliance, this book is a great way to make your child aware of the disastrous event without trauma.
America Is Under Attack by Don Brown
This is a children’s book that doesn’t mince down the truth or sugarcoat it in any way. It is a non fiction book, which tells the story in a systematic, honest, matter-of-fact way. However it balances this unfiltered truth with a kindness and regard for children’s capacity of understanding. It presents facts, but in a very mild and palatable manner.
Fireboat by Maira Kalman
This fiction book follows the protagonist, who is a fireboat. The John J Harvey was a fireboat discarded for redundance until a group of boys decided to salvage it from its ruins. And it came in handy – the old fireboat was used during the 9/11 attacks. This imaginative story based on true events will not only acquaint your kid to the attacks but will also inspire him or her to be brave and confident.
Nine, Ten by Nora Raleigh Baskin
This middle grade book follows four children in four cities of America. Sergio in Brooklyn is dealing with an absent father, Nadia is coming to terms with her Muslim identity, Will is recovering from an accident that killed his father and Amy is trying to fit into her new school while her mom is away. All four will be united by a single event that changed the course of American history forever.
September Roses by Jeanette Winter
This book follows a sister duo flying from South Africa to USA on the fateful 9/11 day with a host of roses, but are stranded due to the terrorist attack. Winter captures amidst her pages, a moving and heartwrenching story, using both words and pictures. Her story is not only poignant and beautiful but also tender and sensitive – ideal for children.
Shooting Kabul by N H Senzai
This book is the story of an Afghani family fleeing the war in Afghanistan during the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The protagonist of the story is Fazi, who is heartbroken when his sister gets lost and is left behind in Afghanistan. He sees an opportunity to return and look for his sister after seeing a photography competition with a huge cash prize. This is the poignant story of a family that unfolds in the backdrop of the devastating 9/11 attacks, and is a great read for middle graders.
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
This book is told in twin perspectives – one of a boy stuck the WTC towers on 9/11 and another of an Afghani girl who dreams of peace and shelters an American soldier in her home. Full of evocative passages and sensitive insights into the situation in both the countries when the tragic event occurred, this is a perfect book for your middle grade kid. The book also has a very important message – one worth ingraining in your child – about war, peace, love and compassion.
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