The book focuses on the story of how 9/11 affects two different children; Brandon, an American who goes to work at the World Trade Center with his dad on 9/11, and Rashmina, an Afghan girl who longs for peace and progress in her country, and who comes across an injured American soldier in her village. Both children are forced to take a very hard look at the world around them; Brandon needs to do everything he can to survive once the plane hits the WTC building that he and his dad are in, and Rashmina needs to decide whether helping the injured American soldier is a good idea, or if it will ultimately cost her and her family their own lives. This is a great story because readers are able to see two very different perspectives on what was happening around them on 9/11. In a way, both of them are in danger, either from the terrorist attacks or their own society, and both must learn to navigate world that's not as safe or black and white as they had thought. ( )

Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-7
Awards: 2021 Grateful American Book Prize

Very difficult to write, as noted by the author. Students will enjoy the information as told by 2 children about their age regarding Terrorist attacks to their community. ( )

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 has come and gone but I am finishing up the books I got for just "the occasion." Wrong choice of words. But honestly, I wanted to see how authors and illustrators would remember/reflect/depict that day. A day that I can remember where I was without much recall.

I knew the dual timelines would ultimately come together, that there was something in common. However, I would have been content to just read the 9/11 story. I found trying to escape the Twin Towers compelling and engaging. Alan Gratz really did write a story that did not shy away from difficult moments or death. Which it shouldn't have.....9/11 was a horrendous day and it can't be sugarcoated. ( )

CW: father dies, lots of deaths during 9/11 some of which are described on page, extremist Taliban ideals on page, war scenes /deaths/injuries, mother died when MC was younger, sister killed by American bombing

Well that was a surprisingly gritty and difficult read given that the main characters are about 9 years old.

Brandon fights for survival after a plane hits the North tower on 9/11/2001. Meanwhile, in present day Afghanistan, Reshmina is trying to keep her family safe as war rages all around her isolated village. Although it is obvious how the two stories intersect from very early on I still found this to be a compelling read. Alan doesn't shy away from the difficulties and horrors both children witness and experience so I would be clear about that when recommending this book to a middle school student, and full disclosure, I cried at one particular point. Like, sob cried. I think this may be my favourite Alan Gratz book yet. ( )