Nearly fifteen years ago New York City experienced the unforgettable day of September 11.  Adults who lived through it will always remember the events that unfolded, but many young children don't know a lot about 9/11 or fully understand how the day changed this nation and so many lives.  

Many caregivers struggle to discuss the events with children, and it can be daunting to find books that engage children, help them to understand such a pivotal point in history, and serve as a starting point for discussion.  Fortunately this year we have two new fictional accounts about 9/11 for children, ideal for the next generation.  

Towers Falling by Jewel Parker Rhodes and Nine Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin present 9/11 in an accessible way for young readers without being too heavy.  Instead they are presented in a thoughtful and meaningful way, and are a welcome addition to children's literature.

May we never forget.

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Towers Falling tells the story of 5th grade Deja who lives in Brooklyn with her family.  Deja starts a new school where the teacher begins a lesson on September 11, which Deja knows nothing about. In fact there are a lot of things she doesn’t know much about: like why her family has to live in a shelter, why her father is always sick, and why September 11 is so important for the class to learn about.  Deja, along with her new friends at school, begin a journey to answer questions about 9/11 and on the way Deja learns new things about her family, community, and friendship.

 

Nine Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story is the story of four kids in various cites who experience 9/11 on contrasting levels. These four middle school kids in Ohio, California, Pennsylvania, and New York City start out on 9/10 wrapped up in their own individual challenges at home, from one dealing with an absentee father to another grieving for a lost one. They have no idea that they are all about to come together as a result of 9/11, as their families and communities are affected by the tragic events.

 

Looking for a non-fiction account for young readers? Check out What Were the Twin Towers? by Jim O'Connor, from the What Was...? Series.  This easy-to-read title gives kids info about the towers from its early building stages to its unfortunate end in 2001.

You might also be interested in:

• When Trying to Explain the Unthinkable
• Books to Help Kids Cope