September 11 is Patriot Day in the United States. Patriot Day is observed to remember the people killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001. While adults may remember these events all too clearly, today’s kids have no memory of the event – it happened before they were born. Books can be a gateway to understanding a subject that may be emotional to talk about and they can be a great conversation starter for families. Here are some of the children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction, we have available for exploring, learning and starting conversations. Click through to each book to read reviews that include age recommendations so you can find the books that are right for your family.
30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag by Amanda Davis, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. This picture book provides the inspiring story of the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, traveled across all fifty states as it was repaired, and returned to New York, a restored symbol of unity.
America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell by Dan Brown. Straightforward and honest, this account moves chronologically through the morning, from the terrorist plane hijackings to the crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania; from the rescue operations at the WTC site in New York City to the collapse of the buildings. Vivid watercolor illustrations capture the emotion and pathos of the tragedy making this an important book about an unforgettable day in American history.
I Survived the Attacks of September 11 by Lauren Tarshis, adapted by Georgia Ball. The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad’s best friend at the firehouse where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas’s parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan. The next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It’s a bright, beautiful day in New York as he heads to the firehouse. But just as he arrives, everything changes — and nothing will ever be the same again.
Molly and the Twin Towers by Jessika Flek. Life in lower Manhattan is normal for Molly, her dads, and younger sister. But on September 11, 2001, everything changes. Molly and her younger sister, Adeline, are at school when the first plane hits the World Trade Center. When the Twin Towers fall, the city is thrown into chaos. Papa, a pilot, is flying, Dad can’t be reached, and Gran, an EMT with the New York Fire Department, is at Ground Zero. It’s up to Molly to find her sister and navigate a city she no longer recognizes.
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin. Ask anyone: September 11, 2001, was serene and lovely, a perfect day–until a plane struck the World Trade Center. But right now it is a few days earlier, and four kids in different parts of the country are going about their lives. Sergio, who lives in Brooklyn, is struggling to come to terms with the absentee father he hates and the grandmother he loves. Will’s father is gone, too, killed in a car accident that has left the family reeling. Naheed has never before felt uncomfortable about being Muslim, but at her new school she’s getting funny looks because of the head scarf she wears. Aimee is starting a new school in a new city and missing her mom, who has to fly to New York on business. These four don’t know one another, but their lives are about to intersect in ways they never could have imagined.
Survivor Tree by Marcie Colleen. One September day, the perfect blue sky exploded. Dust billowed. Buildings crumbled. And underneath it all, a tree sprouted green leaves in its distress. Pulled from the wreckage, the tree saw many seasons pass as it slowly recovered far away from home. Until one day, forever scarred and forever stronger, it was replanted at the 9/11 Memorial. This story of the real Survivor Tree uses nature’s cycle of colors to reflect on the hope and healing that come after a tragedy–and assures readers of their own remarkable resilience.
Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi. Yusuf Azeem has spent all his life in the small town of Frey, Texas–and nearly that long waiting for the chance to participate in the regional robotics competition, which he just knows he can win. Only, this year is going to be more difficult than he thought. Because this year is the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an anniversary that has everyone in his Muslim community on edge. With “Never Forget” banners everywhere and a hostile group of townspeople protesting the new mosque, Yusuf realizes that the country’s anger from two decades ago hasn’t gone away. Can he hold onto his joy–and his friendships–in the face of heartache and prejudice.
