September 11, 2001: The 10th Anniversary

Children's Literature - Cindy K. Schofield

Even before the table of contents young readers are drawn in by a challenge—to "find the truth." The first page proclaims that everything in this introduction to the September 11th tragedy is true except one of two sentences written on the page: either planning for the horrible day took years; or only a few people escaped the World Trade Center collapse. Presumably the author believes a research question will inspire the reader to turn the page. Given the subject matter this reviewer believes the topic is incentive enough to get reading and learn the story of 9/11 but the question is an interesting way to engage the reader right away. The first chapter briefly describes each of the four plane crashes and the second chapter goes into the background and planning leading up to the day of terror. A brief biography of Osama bin Laden is included here. Chapter three discusses the initial emergency responses at the World Trade Center site and rescue efforts at the Pentagon. The chapter includes highlights of the heroism displayed by ordinary people at each site, and in the air by the passengers of Flight 93. The final two chapters are about the national and international response to the attacks, ensuing military actions, the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security, and on-going health issues faced by many first responders. The easy to read book includes a bibliography of books and websites, suggestions for places to visit related to the tragedy, a list of relevant statistics, and a timeline of events. The question "did you find the truth?" will bring a young reader back to the opening question. The book is an excellent introduction to nonfiction reading. It is well organized, presents complex concepts in a simple, straight forward way, and provides supplemental information. Adults wanting to introduce a terrible historic event to youngsters will find this book to be a valuable resource. Part of the "True Books" series. Reviewer: Cindy K. Schofield