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 is my first Gratz book. 2021 Chicago Public Librarys Best of the Best ListBest Fiction for Older Readers Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz. Print Word PDF Take our free Ground Zero quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. His father tells him he must get out of the building. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. Jonathan Stroh, by Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022. "Ground Zero Background". I loved this book. Two kids. The alternating event occurs in the countryside region of Afghanistan in 2019. His only chore was to take the goats up into the mountains to graze for a few hours. School Library Journal With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. read more. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. Brandon impulsively grabs a stuffed animal of the Tasmanian Devil from the debris as a good luck token. His father talks to Richard. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION, by "Ground Zero Characters". Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2021. 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. 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. Even as Brandon and Richard begin to run together, the North Tower comes down. Lois Lowry USA Today Bestseller List, 2022 Hampshire (UK) Book Award Winner Oscar, Elizabeth. I liked this book until the last chapter when the author felt the need to put his political opinion in rather than stick to the historical background he used in the rest of the book. The author is referring to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 2001 by terrorists. Gratz examines each event carefully to pass the message and encourage people to work together for common good. Alan Gratz. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great On the way into the Tower, Brandon helps a Black man trying to board an escalator while juggling three cups of coffee and his briefcase. Without telling his Dad he tries to go to the shopping center floor and there he gets stuck in the elevator when the 1st plane hits. As it turns out, Taz and the rest of his platoon have been lured int a trap by the Taliban and he is badly wounded. I didn't learn until the book was almost finished what the connection was between the two main characters. 2022-2023 Ohio Buckeye Book Award Nominee I'm the author of a number of books for young readers, including Refugee, Allies, Grenade, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. Brandon is heading to the underground mall when a plane piloted by al-Qaida hits the tower, and his father is among those killed. And not just for young people. 11- year-old Reshmina has never not known war. Richard tells Brandon he can home with him. Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) [SuperSummary] on Amazon.com. Alan Gratz did it again. Ground Zero - Pages 1 - 73 Summary & Analysis Alan Gratz This Study Guide consists of approximately 62 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Ground Zero. thissection. And that perfectly logical coincidental series of events is how any number of conspiracy theories are born. What do we tell them? Brandon is nine-years-old on September 11, 2001 and is planning to spend the day with his father who works at the restaurant which occupies the top floors of the North Tower. The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. Ground Zero. . 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. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. He offers Reshmina help getting her into a program that would train her to be a UN interpreter. You have successfully joined Alan's newsletter list! I loved how Gratz put into perspective that the event Brandon is enduring killed many lives . Both events occur due to war conflict between America and middle east countries. by Alan Gratz Hardcover . This is another back and forth story. Should we leave? Suspended from school for standing up to a bully, he goes to work with his father on 9/11. From Richards office, Brandon calls his father who reassures him they are all waiting for helicopters to rescue them. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. When his father isnt looking, Brandon sneaks out to buy a toy in the mall. All Rights Reserved. Because she has been allowed to learn English as a result of the American presence in her country, they are actually able to speak and understand each other whenever massive cultural differences do not obstruct things. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great 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. ; The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. She lives in a remote village where the Taliban lurk, and her twin brother is trying to find his own way. Brandon accompanies his father to the World Trade Center on that fateful day. I was worried it was going to be an "us against them" approach. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Horn Book, Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. It is a crisp September Tuesday in 2001. 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. Can Brandon surviveand escape? resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. Ice. I also felt like this book would be much too intense for my 11 year old. thissection. With two action-packed perspectives, Gratz powerfully explores the ways in which the past shapes the present. . Readers are certain to be inspired by the courage and determination shown by Brandon and Reshmina in Ground Zero. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Please use a different way to share. 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. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. 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. My ten year old loves this book. The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. While heading to the workplace, Leo advises his son against engaging in fistfights. 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. I found myself rolling my eyes quite often at some of the not-at-all subtle hints of what was to come later in the book (it wasn't really foreshadowing - more like a wink to the older readers?) Aber Ecken des Buches leider schon geknickt. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number). 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. 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. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating The instant #1 New York Times. Taz tells her he understands loss, that as a child he lost his father in the 9-11 attacks in New York, that afterwards he was adopted by a man he met in the Towers that day. This book made me tear up even though I knew the ending as I cracked the spine. Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) Alan Gratz is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including Ground Zero, Allies, Grenade,Refugee, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, and. He tells her that he joined the army to help avenge the attack, but that now that mission had lost its purpose. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. Really bad idea, especially when Brandon is separated from him, eventually finding a friend in Richard. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. I live in the mountains of western North Carolina with my family, where I enjoy reading, playing games, and eating pizza. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Explanations for the U.S. military invasion of Afghanistan in the authors note and in characters conversations too simplistically present the U.S. presence. Please try again. 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. In the case of any war, there is no winner. The two young characters are directly affected by the war they know nothing about. With Brandons help, the people get off just before it drops down the shaft. A must-have. Unknown to many of them, the building is under attack. Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz Share Item #101764 in Online-Only Grades: 5 - 8 Ages: 10 - 13 Format: Paperback Book Write a review Short Summary In this work of historical fiction, the anniversary of 9/11 reminds two young people of the tragic events that changed their lives forever. His books are historical in nature, but written so a young person can understand and appreciate them. Nine-year-old Brandon Chavez heads into Manhattan with his father who works in the Windows on the World, the toney restaurant atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Author Alan Gratz delivers a haunting and powerful page-turner of a novel, this time focusing on terrorism and the costs of a long-fought war. 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. Oscar, Elizabeth. School Library Journal - STARRED REVIEW War conflicts bring losses and nobody emerges a winner. Alan Gratz Tensions have been building since Freedom Workers from the North started shaking up status quo, and Glory finds herself embroiled in it when her new, white friend from Ohio boldly drinks from the Colored Only fountain. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz February 27, 2022. . Reshmina is barely in her teens but sympathizes with a wounded American soldier who appears deeply hurt. Because no one will let us get past the Stone Age." Military Hardware thissection. Brandons mother died recently after a long battle with cancer. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. 2022-2023 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee Get news and updates about the stuff Alan writes! It is 2001, a beautiful September Tuesday in Manhattan. New York City. However, Gratz does not sugar coat the events of that day or its lasting effects for young readers. Four kids fighting for their lives. 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. 2021 Amazon.com Best of the Month February Then you follow Reshmina who lives in Afghanistan. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. 2023 Mississippi Magnolia Award Nominee The story shows how retribution causes more troubles rather than solutions. Our 12 year old is not a huge reader, but he is devouring this book. She decides to help him although her compassion may put her family and her entire village at risk. School Library Journal. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. When the Germans plan to round up the Jews, the Johansens take in Annemarie's friend, Ellen Rosen, and pretend she is their daughter; later, they travel to Uncle Hendrik's house on the coast, where the Rosens and other Jews are transported by fishing boat to Sweden. Reshmina tells him no money can restore their life. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. An editor September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Alan Gratz has done it again. 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. The two young characters are directly affected by the war they know nothing about. 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. 2022-2023 Tennessee State Book Award Nominee Ground Zerowill 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. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great An editor But, I should've known better and trusted Gratz. Alan Gratz is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several highly acclaimed books for young readers, including Ground Zero, Allies, Grenade,Refugee, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087,. She leads the helpless soldier back to her home. Code of Honor Alan Gratz No preview available - 2018. 20 Total Resources View Text Complexity Discover Like Books Audio Excerpt from Ground Zero; Video Book Trailer for Ground Zero; Name Pronunciation with Alan Gratz; Grade; 4-8; Genre; Historical Fiction; Year Published 2021. This book was very hard to read and upsetting, due to the nature of the subject matter. Categories: Their lives are threatened, when Reshmina rescues an American soldier seriously injured in a surprise attack. Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2021). Between 1 and 2 stars. 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. Schade, da es verschenkt werden soll. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . This may be just be my new Gratz favorite. Taking turns, chapter by chapter was annoying. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-24575-2. Violence leads to political and economic turmoil. 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. As you follow Brandon and his fight for survival realizing that he can make it out but his Dad won't, you pray that he and a man who helps him does get out alive. GROUND ZERO by Alan Gratz RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021 Parallel storylines take readers through the lives of two young people on Sept. 11 in 2001 and 2019. 2022 Texas Library Association Lone Star Reading List You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Following September 11, 2001 attacks, the American soldiers wage war on Afghanistan to revenge against the atrocities committed by the terrorists. So we weren't able to do anything but follow the news, imagining the worst as we waited for the travel agency to get back to us with updates as to whether or not my grandma and her sister were scheduled to visit the Twin Towers that day or were in the area during the attack. It is an important book for our family. Categories: Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. Alan Gratz. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. at the World Trade Center in New York City. I would have preferred to have read Brandon's novella first and then Reshmina's with the author bringing them together at the end. There was a problem loading your book clubs. Can you believe it's already been (nearly) 20 years since 9/11? He and Richard make their way to the exit, using the Warner Brothers Store to guide them out. For this book alone I did something I've never done before. I used small sticky notes to separate the two stories. She wants to teach. Written by Elizabeth Oscar On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - 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. 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. Indeed, the conflict results in the destruction of properties and loss of lives from both ends. Lois Lowry, by The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. We have friends and relatives who were directly affected by 9/11. Can they escape -- and what will the world be like when they do? As someone who will never forget the sequence of that day, reading this pulled me back 20 years and definitely stirred up a lot of emotion. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. This story, however, is merely about connections and coincidence, not connections and conspiracies. #1 New York Times Bestseller! We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. More books than SparkNotes. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES, by Not affiliated with Harvard College. Luckily, my grandmother and great-aunt were fine and had left NYC the night before and were on the road back. I really enjoyed Refugee, but this one was not the author's best work, in my opinion. Barnes & Noble Best Young Reader Books of 2021 Similarly, in 2019, the revenge against Afghan people results in more deaths. 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. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. Alan Gratzs books always hit where it hurts, in the best possible way, but Ground Zero might just be the one to have the most impact for me. 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. Scholastic Press, 2021. The two storylines develop in parallel through alternating chapters. I read all of Brandon's story, then went back and read all of Reshmina's story. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. The fierce fighting between the Afghan National Army, supported by the Americans, and the Taliban insurgents who seek to return the country to a rigid Muslim theocracy has raged for close to 20 years. The novel covers in alternating chapters the stories of two characters, Brandon Chavez, a nine-year-old boy living in New York City in 2001, and Reshmina, an 11-year-old Afghan girl living near Asadabad in 2019. I was a bit worried going into this one. Truthfully, I'd give this one 3.5 stars -- yet another great read from Gratz, who the author's note reveals was a junior high school teacher before he was a successful writer. It was really good and had a great climax. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz | Official Book Trailer Watch on Praise The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relentsA contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | Kenard Pak. A day that I was here to witness, but one that happened before they were born. It was boring and slow. War leads to a lose-lose situation. Reshmina saves the life of an American Soldier and puts her whole village in danger. As with all Gratz books, students will be submitting holds because no matter how many copies I purchase for my library I wont have enough. Your email address will not be published. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Alan Gratz. He does not get far before he smells smoke and sees large cracks in the stairwell sheetrock walls. Brandon seems haunted by what happened in the school leading to his suspension. 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. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Reshmina declines and returns to her family and the rubble that is her village. Your email address will not be published. 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. Glory cant believe it the Hanging Moss Community Pool is closing right before her July Fourth birthday. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. 2021 Amazon.com Childrens Top 20 Best Books of the Year So Far Nothing will ever be the same. Three climate disasters. He says his name is Taz. Hell breaks loose when the complex building is attacked by terrorists leading to many deaths of innocent people including Brandons father. I spent a week reading all of the Goodreads Choice Awards finalists in the Middle Grade category, complete with my entire thoughts on each book, and which books I think should have won and in what order. 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. Correspondingly, several American soldiers revenging against the terror attacks in Afghan villages also lose their lives. The only issue I had with this book was the set up. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - Fights and revenge lead to more troubles rather than resolving the issues. I really liked the book and the broken under ground mall part was great and the building falling over I do recommend it. 2023 Sakura Medal Nominee A soldier gets hurt and Reshmina gets her family to help him but at what cost. Innocent victims are caught up in wars that are beyond their comprehension. Reshmina and Pasoon thus becomes engaged in a face-off over the fate of the soldier with the strange doll attached to his uniform. In his characteristic style, he ends each chapter with a cliff-hanger, then picks up the narrative of the other character. This is historically accurate, an amazing story with one of the greatest crossovers Ive ever read. 2022-2023 Virginia Readers Choice Award Nominee Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. On the subway, Brandons father lectures his son. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. . When her brother finds out, he is livid and heads up to the mountains to tell the Taliban who hide out in caves. Explosions from overhead rock the caves. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. What a read! Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022. However, this nuance doesnt extend to the Afghan characters; Reshmina and Pasoon feel one-dimensional. All opinions expressed are my own. The two head to Richards office on the 90th floor. 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. . As fate would have it, his father also dies prematurely after attacks. Sexton, Timothy. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . 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. 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. Scholastic Press, 2021. delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear - and the stunning links between the past and present. Talking to his father, Brandon is stunned to see a plane fly deliberately into the South Tower. 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. Alan Gratz, Ground Zero 0 likes Like "As a boy, Pasoon had time for games and practical jokes. Leo works as a kitchen manager in one of the hotels set in North Tower. Her twin brother, Pasoon, never forgave the American infidels and vows to join the Taliban insurgency. The young girl is torn between saving the life of the soldier and informing the Taliban about him. In the confusion, Reshmina watches helplessly as an American missile destroys her familys home. Pros: Alan Gratz has produced another historical fiction novel filled with compelling characters and heart-pounding action. This MG book will be a hit with my students & generate a bunch of conversations between them & their parents. When Taz is found wounded by Reshmina, he recalls the events that occurred eighteen years ago and understands the importance of working together. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and .