Fights and revenge lead to more troubles rather than resolving the issues. His father talks to Richard. 2022-2023 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award Nominee If I hadn't been forced to read it for school I wouldn't of. Gratz examines each event carefully to pass the message and encourage people to work together for common good. In his authors note he mentions that it has taken him 20 years to feel ready to write about 9/11, and I think he was wise to wait. illustrated by The author of the book, Alan Gratz, deliberately uses children to demonstrate how revenge culminates in the suffering of innocent victims. The American soldier, disguised in a burqa, joins the family as they head to the caves under the village to hide before the Taliban arrives. The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear - and the stunning links between the past and present.September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES, by The 9/11 attacks led to the destruction of properties and the loss of innocent lives. Sexton, Timothy. An editor document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. What is it they should know? Meanwhile, Reshmina is just now hearing about the stimulating event for that American military presence in her country from Taz who, she learns, was actually in the towers the day of the attack and lost his father who worked there. Then Brandon feels the ground shudder overhead and then everything goes dark. His books are historical in nature, but written so a young person can understand and appreciate them. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Written by Elizabeth Oscar On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . 2023 Sakura Medal Nominee He and Richard make their way to the exit, using the Warner Brothers Store to guide them out. Alan Gratz did it again. I have looked it up and no the story line in the book is not true, however the main event in it is obviously true. In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (. ) Especially toward the middle. Her twin brother, Pasoon, never forgave the American infidels and vows to join the Taliban insurgency. Alan Gratz, Ground Zero 0 likes Like "As a boy, Pasoon had time for games and practical jokes. When his father isnt looking, Brandon sneaks out to buy a toy in the mall. Violence leads to political and economic turmoil. The only issue I had with this book was the set up. He tells her that he joined the army to help avenge the attack, but that now that mission had lost its purpose. Ground Zero. Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz February 15, 2021 ~ Janet Dawson Published by Scholastic Summary: Brandon has been suspended from school and is spending the day of September 11, 2001 with his dad, who works at the Windows of the World restaurant in the World Trade Center. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number). Many others weren't as lucky though, and this story was definitely an important one to be told and to remember the lives that were lost and the brave souls who sacrificed their lives helping others. And not just for young people. This story, however, is merely about connections and coincidence, not connections and conspiracies. A must-have. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. In Stock. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. I loved how Gratz put into perspective that the event Brandon is enduring killed many lives . In alternating chapters, readers spend the day of September 11, 2019 with Reshmina, a girl in Afghanistan who rescues an American soldier and pays a price when the Taliban finds out. The closing of her favorite swimming pool opens 11-year-old Gloriana Hemphills eyes to the ugliness of racism in a small Mississippi town in 1964. Two Degrees. The alternating event occurs in the countryside region of Afghanistan in 2019. Brandons mother died recently after a long battle with cancer. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating In the caves, there is an angry confrontation about the prolonged American occupation between Taz and the villagers. I needed to explain the context. . The author is referring to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 2001 by terrorists. Can they escape -- and what will the world be like when they do? I did not think the two stories blended, despite the clever bridge by author Gratz. Customers who viewed this item also viewed. Though occasionally heavy-handed, this debut offers a vivid glimpse of the 1960s South through the eyes of a spirited girl by Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz merges the worlds of historical fiction and super hero comics in this one-of-a-kind graphic novel that is sure to be met with major enthusiasm from fans of all ages. His father tells him he must get out of the building. In Stock. Required fields are marked *. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. Ground Zero is a novel authored by Alan Gratz imparting the effects of war. You have successfully joined Alan's newsletter list! Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . Taz is the nickname of an America soldier who develops a close bond with Reshmina. On September 11, 2001, Brandon joins his father at his job in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. Retrieve credentials. Though ever cautious and fearful of the ubiquitous soldiers, she is largely unaware of the extent of the danger around her; the Resistance kept even its participants safer by telling them as little as possible, and Annemarie has never been told that her older sister Lise died in its service. On the way into the Tower lobby, Brandon helps a Black man trying to get on the escalator and juggling three cups of coffee and his briefcase. Cons: I found Brandons story much more compelling and suspenseful than Reshminas, which had to provide a lot of context about Afghanistan that took away from the action. For this book alone I did something I've never done before. Wow! The message passed by the author resonates well with young readers. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SCIENCES | resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. USA Today Bestseller List, 2022 Hampshire (UK) Book Award Winner Should she help himand put herself and her family in mortal danger? Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. will appeal to middle-grade readers, who were born after the events of 9/11, and to those adults who lived through it and will never forget. This item: Ground Zero. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. 2021 Chicago Public Librarys Best of the Best ListBest Fiction for Older Readers by Alan Gratz Ground Zero Summary These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. The takeaway message questioning the ongoing American presence in Afghanistan might have been quite different a decade ago. by Alan Gratz Hardcover . With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. It didn't seem that long ago when I walked home after school to find my mom in a frenzy - her mother and aunt had left for New York the week before on a bus tour and shopping trip around New York City. Augusta Scattergood Although Reshminas story takes place almost two decades later, her story proves to have many connections to Brandons. She is in fact teaching herself English. Barnes & Noble Best Young Reader Books of 2021 The following edition was used for this study guide: Gratz, Alan. Publishers Weekly, Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. I have looked it up and no the story line in the My son loved this book, he was done it in 2 days, the only thing I would say is that he was confused if the story line in the book was a real story from a little boy and girl that dealt with this tragic even from that day. However, Gratz does not sugar coat the events of that day or its lasting effects for young readers. This is my first Gratz book. Brandon would not normally be available to spend an early September day at his fathers place of employment, of course, but it just so happens that he was recently suspended. illustrated by Library 2035 S. Naper Blvd., Naperville, IL 60565 . In spring 2020, when all the libraries were closed, one of my daughters asked me to buy a book for her: This book is a 2 part book and if I could I would give the story of Brandon who survives the World Trade center bombing a 5 star and the story of Reshmina a 3 star. Ground Zero is amazing! I love this author their work is great. This may be just be my new Gratz favorite. He offers Reshmina help getting her into a program that would train her to be a UN interpreter. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. During September 11, 2001 attack, many people lost loved ones. When the two finally make their up and out, through the smoke and falling debris they see the South Tower is gone. The two head to Richards office on the 90th floor. It seems written for kids, but my child is not quite ready for a book with this content. Descriptions of the Talibans Afghan victims and Reshmina's gentle father notwithstanding, references to all young men eventually joining the Taliban and Pasoon's zeal for their cause counteract this messaging. She lives in a remote village where the Taliban lurk, and her twin brother is trying to find his own way. Brandon and Reshmina cannot discern the purpose served by the attacks. September 11, 2001. This book captivated me and I read it in a day. It was raw and emotional. Reshmina dreams of being more than the dutiful wife and mother that her Muslim culture demands her to be. Fire. Brandon is the 9-year old son of a chef at Windows on the World, the restaurant atop the North Tower at the World Trade Center. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Print Word PDF Take our free Ground Zero quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great In present-day Afghanistan, Reshmina is an 11-year-old girl who is used to growing up in the shadow of war, but she has dreams of peace and unity. That was how I learned that Brandon's story takes place the year 9/11 happened and Reshmina's story takes place on 9/11 only 20 years later. Trying to fix the damage done due to standing up to a bully, Brandon sneaks away from his father, who is a chef at Windows on the World. Ground Zero is a number one New York Times bestseller The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relents A contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. Indeed, the conflict results in the destruction of properties and loss of lives from both ends. Booklist, Gratz moves back and forth between the two narratives in short, nail-biting chapters that create a vivid picture of each setting and make readers feel invested in each characters relationships and choices, and in the high-stakes global forces that affect the intimate details of their lives. This book was real - I had both tears and chills. thissection. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022. The chapters detailing Brandons experiences surviving the attack and collapse of the Twin Towers alternate with those of an equally young Afghanistan girl named Reshmina. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Brandon knows his father is dead. There, Brandon struggles to understand the news reports about the terrorists who had attacked the Towers. Pasoon angrily reminds his sister that the Taliban not the Americans, are her people. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating thissection. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION | More books than SparkNotes. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Quotes and a Free Quiz on Reshmina declines and returns to her family and the rubble that is her village. This is another back and forth story. Reshmina is barely in her teens but sympathizes with a wounded American soldier who appears deeply hurt. In the confusion, Reshmina watches helplessly as an American missile destroys her familys home. I voluntarily reviewed this book. 2022-2023 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. The Ground Zero Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. The author is referring to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 2001 by terrorists. While his father opens the restaurant, Brandon decides to take the elevator down to the underground mall and buy replacement Wolverine gloves to give the kid. He showed us the whole picture and the true complexity of the world and wars which I'm sure was hard to do with such a still recent event. He chose to do a book report project on this book. Affiliate link to purchase this book: https://amzn.to/3r482sN Check out my list of AWESOME 2021 books:. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. Taz, reunited with his outfit, moves about the shellshocked villagers offering them money to cover their losses. He does not get far before he smells smoke and sees large cracks in the stairwell sheetrock walls. He says his name is Taz. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. As he tries to climb along a ledge to get to the opposite stairwell, Brandon gets dizzy and almost falls to his death when he is rescued by the man he helped earlier, whose name is Richard Lowery. Brandon, a 9-year-old boy, goes to work for the day with his dad . Not affiliated with Harvard College. Can Brandon surviveand escape? After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Finally, she decides to help the soldier from being killed by the Taliban. A must-have. Even as Brandon and Richard begin to run together, the North Tower comes down. Two kids. What a read! The authors note tied everything up well - the history and his connection to this horrific day. thissection. This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. Not only that, she finds out the closures not for the claimed repairs needed, but so Negroes cant swim there. It is September, 2019, in a west Afghan mountain town near Asadabad along the Pakistan border. He did an exceptional job at showing us that it isn't "us against them". 2021-2022 Junior Tome Society It List . You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Jonathan Stroh, by Follow me on Twitter: @alangratz, The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relents A contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanitys survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home. Ground Zero is a novel authored by Alan Gratz imparting the effects of war. "Ground Zero Characters". Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club thats right for you for free. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. The novel was published in early 2021 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Flood. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. I also felt like this book would be much too intense for my 11 year old. As a girl, Reshmina worked from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep at night. bestseller.In time for. Hes a fantastic writer, Im looking forward to this one. read more. I loved this book. When the villagers finally emerge, the village is rubble. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. More books than SparkNotes. She is a young girl living in war-ravaged Afghanistan who must grow up too quickly to enjoy conveniences like optimism: "You Americans think you can fix everything by throwing money at itBut your friend was right. 2023 Utah Beehive Book Award Nominee The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. A Tear jerking story of survival that I won't forget anytime soon. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. She leads the helpless soldier back to her home. Should she help Taz - and put herself and her family in mortal danger? War has a negative impact on the lives of people. When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. When shes not saving the world, reading Nancy Drew or eating Dreamsicles, Glory shares the heartache of being the kid sister of a preoccupied teenager, friendship gone awry and the terrible cost of blabbing peoples secrets mostly in a humorously sassy first-person voice. by How much detail do we share? Oscar, Elizabeth. Following September 11, 2001 attacks, the American soldiers wage war on Afghanistan to revenge against the atrocities committed by the terrorists. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1989. The description of the Afghani mountains is vivid. The other person in this story is Reshmina, a young Afghan girl whose family is caught between the fighting between the Americans and Afghan soldiers and the Taliban. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2021). Then you follow Reshmina who lives in Afghanistan. ; influencers in the know since 1933. It's September 11, 2001. Afghanistan. Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2021. Ground Zero. I was a bit worried going into this one. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz 9781338245752 (Hardback, 2021). In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear - and the stunning links between the past and present. Please try again. Code of Honor Alan Gratz No preview available - 2018. Can you believe it's already been (nearly) 20 years since 9/11? 2022 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Titles,Junior Level Innocent victims are caught up in wars that are beyond their comprehension. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. Really bad idea, especially when Brandon is separated from him, eventually finding a friend in Richard. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. $14.52. Publishing in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this tautly paced novel by Gratz ( Resist) explores the events . When she heard the news that the Twin Towers were attacked, she desperately tried to get ahold of my grandma, great-aunt, and their tour guide/agency. This certainly explains how he can do such a magnificent job of translating the horrors of 9/11 and its aftermath--the war in Afghanistan--and making them accessible for elementary-aged students like my own daughters. When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. Explosions from overhead rock the caves. People should not tolerate the eruption of any war in their countries. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022. 2021 Amazon.com Best of the Month February Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and Scholastic for a complimentary copy. 2021 Grateful American Book Prize More books than SparkNotes. On the 20th floor, they stop long enough to call Brandons father. Alan Gratz 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz. Explanations for the U.S. military invasion of Afghanistan in the authors note and in characters conversations too simplistically present the U.S. presence. Publishers Weekly Bestseller List There are rulesYou punch somebody, you get suspended, no matter why you did it (5). Lois Lowry He is not nearly as happy about the changes wrought by the American influence on his country and is making plans to join the Taliban. It went beyond 9/11. Because no one will let us get past the Stone Age." Military Hardware You're awesome. It is a harder read even for me a 52 year old. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. His new book is "Ground Zero." Alan Gratz is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for young readers, including "Allies," "Grenade," "Projekt 1065," "Prisoner B-3087," and "Code . *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. And that perfectly logical coincidental series of events is how any number of conspiracy theories are born. In 2001, Brandon Chavez is spending the day with his father, who works at the World Trade Centers Windows on the World restaurant. The Ground Zero Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear - and the stunning links between the past and present. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2021. Scholastic| February 2, 2021|Ages 8and Up. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | Two years earlier, Reshminas older sister had been killed when her wedding had been strafed by American drones dispatched under the mistaken assumption that wedding guests firing off rifles to celebrate were in fact a Taliban sniper nest.