When I think of 9/11, I think of my own childhood. I was 9 years old when that tragic day unfolded. Being a child, I did not fully understand the details of that day, nor the complex events that shaped it. However, I could feel the sadness, the horror, and the fear that every person felt that day and the years to follow.
September 11, 2001 continued to shape my life as I grew older. The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan followed me into middle school and high school, and I’ll never forget the day in college when President Obama informed the world they had finally killed the man responsible. The aftermath of that day affected the entire world.
It is rare that one specific event quite suddenly and quickly shifts history. History can be a gradual and slow process. However, 9/11 is a distinct and definable moment in our modern history. It shifted American politics, culture, personality, and opinion. As a nation, we did so many things right to come together to heal and mourn, but we also did so many things wrong.
September 11, 2001 is history to many. Our littles grow up knowing about that day like I did about Pearl Harbor or the Fall of the Berlin Wall. But history should never be forgotten, and 9/11 is still very poignant in our society. We still have family members whose loved ones will never come home. We have veterans who still suffer from the effects of the wars that followed. And our society still deals with the fear that began that day.
“Never Forget”. This common slogan and phrase that usually accompanies 9/11 memorials is more than never forgetting history. It means to never forget those we lost, those that sacrificed their lives to save others, and the beautiful innocence we had before.
As we teach our littles about 9/11 as a moment in our own life and as a part of history, books can be a wonderful source. They can provide context and background on that day, and it can share stories of so many incredible people who did extraordinary things for their neighbors.
Here are some of my historical fiction/non-fiction recommendations:
What Were the Twin Towers?
by Jim O'Connor
(ages: 8-10 years)
This non-fiction book is an informative and emotional story about the iconic twin towers. It explores the history of the buildings and how their construction shaped the New York City skyline. It also explains their symbolic connection to American capitalism and economy, as well as, their tragic and unfortunate end on September 11, 2001. This book is a perfect way to delicately and informatively learn about The World Trade Center and 9/11.
National Geographic Kids September 11
by Libby Romero
(ages: 7-9 years)
This age-appropriate and sensitive non-fiction book informs readers on the events of September 11, 2001. With compelling photographs and accessible facts, the readers get a clear representation of the events on that day. The book does an excellent job at educationally exploring the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. The stories of those heroes who gave their lives on this day are well-represented and explained.
This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth
by Sean Rubin
(ages: 6-8 years)
This historical non-fiction story is an inspirational tribute to a Callery pear tree whose home was in between the Twin Towers in New York City. On September 11, 2001, it was buried beneath the rubble of the collapsed towers. However, it survived the attacks on the World Trade Center and was nursed back to health. It's new home is in the 9/11 memorial, and it stands there representing hope and resilience.
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey
by Maira Kalman
(ages: 5-8 years)
The beautiful story of an unexpected hero: a retired fireboat. Fireboats were used in New York City since the mid-1800s, but were not in use on the morning of September 11, 2001. The John J. Harvey was a fireboat recently rehabilitated and came out of retirement to battle the fires caused by the attack.
I Survived The Attacks of September 11, 2001: The Graphic Novel
by Lauren Tarshis
(ages: 8-10 years)
This historical fiction story shares the events of September 11, 2001 through the perspective of a young boy whose father and uncle work for the local firehouse. The graphic novel's bold illustrations and descriptive text does an excellent job at highlighting the events of that day through creative storytelling. The back of the book also includes an informational section with facts and photos from that day. This book can be an excellent resource for hesitant readers or those who enjoy the graphic novel format.
30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag
by Amanda Davis
(ages: 5-10 years)
The unbelievable story about a damaged and tattered American flag that flew across from Ground Zero in the days following the September 11th attacks. Throughout the years to follow, this flag traveled across the United States and was restored using retired flags: such as a piece of the original Star Spangled Banner that inspired our national anthem. This flag symbolizes our efforts as a nation to come together to heal and rebuild after the heartbreaking events on September 11, 2001. You can now find this amazing flag in the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
Yusuf Azeem Is Not A Hero
by Saadia Faruqi
(ages: 8-12 years)
This is a fictional story of a young Muslim boy who is trying to win his local robotics competition, maintain friendships, and live a normal life in school. However, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is approaching, which causes tension in his community. The Muslim community is on edge when the new, local mosque is being protested against by locals. This fictional story is a reminder that real-life prejudice against Muslims did occur following the 9/11 attacks. The fear and uncertainty that followed the attacks caused unfair treatment towards our Muslim neighbors and friends, many who were American citizens.
Towers Falling
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
(ages: 9-12 years)
This fictional chapter book explores a group of students who live in the shadow and aftermath of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks. One student, Deja has to answer questions about events that occurred when she was too young to remember. However, she knows many people who were affected by the attacks, including her Pop, who always gets very angry when Deja brings up the Twin Towers. This powerful story explores the feelings and experiences of the young people who do not remember the events of 9/11 but have to live amongst its shadow.
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story
by Nora Raleigh Baskin
(ages: 9-12 years)
A fictional and creative story about 4 different school-age children who do not know each other and are going through very different experiences. However, it's a few days before September 11, 2001, and soon everyone in America would be united through the shared experience of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Although everyone's experiences on 9/11 are different, the events on that tragic and unforgettable day unite everyone.
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