By bestselling author Alan Gratz. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Ground Zero is a novel authored by Alan Gratz imparting the effects of war. 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. Oscar, Elizabeth. When her brother finds out, he is livid and heads up to the mountains to tell the Taliban who hide out in caves. 2022 Texas Library Association Lone Star Reading List More books than SparkNotes. On September 11, 2001, Brandon joins his father at his job in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. There were lots of plot twists that were really pushed. Explosions from overhead rock the caves. I was worried it was going to be an "us against them" approach. I love this author their work is great. Written by Elizabeth Oscar On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. The occurrence of the new events scares everyone. 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. Lois Lowry It was also quite jarring to keep switching perspectives, especially when every chapter ended on a cliff hanger. 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. However, Gratz does not sugar coat the events of that day or its lasting effects for young readers. 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. Hell breaks loose when the complex building is attacked by terrorists leading to many deaths of innocent people including Brandons father. Barnes & Noble Best Young Reader Books of 2021 As fate would have it, his father also dies prematurely after attacks. 2022 New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award Winner 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. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. Pasoon is Reshminas brother. With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. Mr. Gatzs books can fill a much needed gap in literature for young people, and can help them develop a love for reading. For this book alone I did something I've never done before. What a read! Ground Zero is a novel authored by Alan Gratz imparting the effects of war. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. This is historically accurate, an amazing story with one of the greatest crossovers Ive ever read. 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. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. 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. The place is calm than usual and Brandon is tasked with placing flower vases on tables. The instant #1 New York Times. But the story is wonderful and recommend it, with permission. A tough read, due to the rawness of the subject matter. Although Reshminas story takes place almost two decades later, her story proves to have many connections to Brandons. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. ; The 9/11 attacks led to the destruction of properties and the loss of innocent lives. September 11, 2019. Should she help himand put herself and her family in mortal danger? Reshmina declines and returns to her family and the rubble that is her village. The young boy is left only with his father. Pros: Alan Gratz has produced another historical fiction novel filled with compelling characters and heart-pounding action. Your email address will not be published. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Ground Zero. Our 12 year old is not a huge reader, but he is devouring this book. Desperate, Reshmina follows to head him off. 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. He runs off into the hills. Required fields are marked *. Trouble signing in? Scholastic Press, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-24575-2. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION, by When governments engage in endless wars, citizens tend to bear the brunt of war consequences. Augusta Scattergood. Wow! New York City. In Stock. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. 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. Talking to his father, Brandon is stunned to see a plane fly deliberately into the South Tower. Reshmina helps a wounded American soldier, making her village a Taliban target. Categories: However, this nuance doesnt extend to the Afghan characters; Reshmina and Pasoon feel one-dimensional. Two Degrees. Unknown to many of them, the building is under attack. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. read more. 2022-2023 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee Apart from Lise's offstage death, there is little violence here; like Annemarie, the reader is protected from the full implications of eventsbut will be caught up in the suspense and menace of several encounters with soldiers and in Annemarie's courageous run as courier on the night of the escape. 2022-2023 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award Nominee 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. Oscar, Elizabeth. Library 2035 S. Naper Blvd., Naperville, IL 60565 . illustrated by will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. Three climate disasters. Five years younger than Lisa in Carol Matas' Lisa's War (1989), Annemarie Johansen has, at 10, known three years of Nazi occupation. When they get up to the restaurant, Brandon, bored helping his father arrange table settings, decides to slip out, head down the elevator to the underground mall, and replace the kids lost Wolverine (read more from the Pages 1 - 73 Summary). Afghanistan. I voluntarily reviewed this book. Out of nowhere an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion that threatens everyone in the building. 11- year-old Reshmina has never not known war. The story is told in alternation chapters. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. 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. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry 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. Explanations for the U.S. military invasion of Afghanistan in the authors note and in characters conversations too simplistically present the U.S. presence. This book was real - I had both tears and chills. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. 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. Alan Gratz. 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 may be just be my new Gratz favorite. She wants to teach. 2021-2022 Junior Tome Society It List While performing his duty, a fire erupts in the kitchen and the young boy sneaks out to purchase the Wolverine gloves to hand over to his friend once he gets back to school. 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. In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (. ) As a girl, Reshmina worked from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep at night. . Brandon has been dismissed from the school following the physical altercation between him and another boy. #1 New York Times Bestseller! 2023 Mississippi Magnolia Award Nominee He tells her that he joined the army to help avenge the attack, but that now that mission had lost its purpose. thissection. Nine year old Brandon goes to work with his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. War conflicts bring losses and nobody emerges a winner. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. If I hadn't been forced to read it for school I wouldn't of. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Brandon and Richard continue to work their way downward until they get to the underground mall. The takeaway message questioning the ongoing American presence in Afghanistan might have been quite different a decade ago. Customers who viewed this item also viewed. This MG book will be a hit with my students & generate a bunch of conversations between them & their parents. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Jonathan Stroh, by Before they hang up, his father tells Brandon to do something worth living for. He did an exceptional job at showing us that it isn't "us against them". 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. Two kids. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SCIENCES | Brandon knows his father is dead. It seems written for kids, but my child is not quite ready for a book with this content. What is it they should know? We did and saw the mess that happen after but it does make you wonder if it was all worth it. The author is referring to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 2001 by terrorists. Glory cant believe it the Hanging Moss Community Pool is closing right before her July Fourth birthday. Get it Jan 19 - 24. The only issue I had with this book was the set up. There, Brandon struggles to understand the news reports about the terrorists who had attacked the Towers. Captain America: The Ghost Army (Original Graphic Novel), Children's Action & Adventure Books (Books), Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon, Scholastic; 1st edition (February 4, 2021). On the subway, Brandons father lectures his son. 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. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Ground Zero. It looks like WhatsApp is not installed on your phone. I loved how Gratz put into perspective that the event Brandon is enduring killed many lives . Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . Scholastic Press, 2021. Brandon accompanies his father to the World Trade Center on that fateful day. Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. GradeSaver, 23 February 2022 Web. Ground Zero is amazing! She begs him not to tell the Taliban about the American soldier, that they will kill his entire family for harboring the American. Affiliate link to purchase this book: https://amzn.to/3r482sN Check out my list of AWESOME 2021 books:. Get help and learn more about the design. She lives in a remote village where the Taliban lurk, and her twin brother is trying to find his own way. Correspondingly, several American soldiers revenging against the terror attacks in Afghan villages also lose their lives. Not affiliated with Harvard College. It was raw and emotional. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz February 27, 2022. . From Richards office, Brandon calls his father who reassures him they are all waiting for helicopters to rescue them. Oscar, Elizabeth. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. A must-have. Luckily, my grandmother and great-aunt were fine and had left NYC the night before and were on the road back. There was a problem loading your book clubs. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. 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. 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. The author of the Anastasia books as well as more serious fiction (Rabble Starkey, 1987) offers her first historical fictiona story about the escape of the Jews from Denmark in 1943. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. 2022 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Titles,Junior Level 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. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great I used small sticky notes to separate the two stories. How much detail do we share? You have successfully joined Alan's newsletter list! Readers are certain to be inspired by the courage and determination shown by Brandon and Reshmina in Ground Zero. His father talks to Richard. You're awesome. We have friends and relatives who were directly affected by 9/11. He is stopped at the 89th floor landingthe stairwell is just huge broken pieces of sheetrock and exposed electrical wires opening out to the sky. The book concludes with the Jews' return, after the war, to homes well kept for them by their neighbors. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Quotes and a Free Quiz on It also got political at the end. Alan Gratz Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2023. Therefore, there is a no-win situation in the war. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Fin Parallel storylines take readers through the lives of two young people on Sept. 11 in 2001 and 2019. 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. In Stock. I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday so the fact we are coming up on the 20th anniversary is mind blowing. 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. The book expanded our perspectives. 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. 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. Kenard Pak. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war. Many people lose their lives without knowing the motive behind the attacks. Ground 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 needed to explain the context. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Brandon Chavez is suspended from school for punching a bully who stole expensive Wolverine gloves from another student. I really enjoyed Refugee, but this one was not the author's best work, in my opinion. 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. 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. Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2021. 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. If Pasoon goes through with his plan to join the Taliban and they find out his family has been concealing Taz, it will mean death for everyone. Taz is the nickname of an America soldier who develops a close bond with Reshmina. 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. Reshmina is a witty girl and advises Taz to stop what they are doing because they (American soldiers) cannot help build the nation and at the same time destroy what they are building. 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. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great Not affiliated with Harvard College. 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. The story of Reshmina is a hard one especially since we pulled out of Afghanistan recently. Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 16. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. 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. Leo works as a kitchen manager in one of the hotels set in North Tower. As they leave, a gunfight between the Taliban and the government forces erupts. thissection. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home. 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. 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. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION, by Ice. A must-have. 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. Ground Zero Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to Reshmina is barely in her teens but sympathizes with a wounded American soldier who appears deeply hurt. 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. 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,. Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2021). I really liked the book and the broken under ground mall part was great and the building falling over I do recommend it. The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. It is an important book for our family. 2023 Utah Beehive Book Award Nominee Can you believe it's already been (nearly) 20 years since 9/11? The story focuses on the question should we be there in the first place? Schade, da es verschenkt werden soll. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Reshmina returns to her village. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. by ALAN GRATZ Paperback . And not just for young people. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. 2022 SIBA Southern Book Prize Finalist 2022-2023 Tennessee State Book Award Nominee 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. 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. And that perfectly logical coincidental series of events is how any number of conspiracy theories are born. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Get news and updates about the stuff Alan writes! In the contemporary timeline, Reshmina is an Afghan girl living in foothills near the Pakistan border that are a battleground between the Taliban and U.S. armed forces. thissection. I also felt like this book would be much too intense for my 11 year old. On the 20th floor, they stop long enough to call Brandons father. 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. Sexton, Timothy. More books than SparkNotes. With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022. Please try again. The Hemphills African-American maid, Emma, a mother figure to Glory and her sister Jesslyn, tells her, Dont be worrying about what you cant fix, Glory honey. But Glory does, becoming an activist herself when she writes an indignant letter to the newspaper likening hateful prejudice to dog doo that makes her preacher papa proud. Should we leave? Categories: The Story of Brandon and Reshmina. Violence leads to political and economic turmoil. Before he departs, he gifts her a worn stuffed animal of the cartoon character the Tasmanian Devil that he says has always brought him luck. Your email address will not be published. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. The novel explores the consequences of war on innocent civilians who have no comprehension of the happenings leading up to the confrontation. But, I should've known better and trusted Gratz.