GROUND ZERO by Alan Gratz

 

Headed toward the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this historical fiction recount of the terrible terrorist attack is a must-read. Author Alan Gratz provides a vivid and emotional account of that day from two unique points of view. Young readers who only know of the event from the stories and school lessons they've heard will better understand the tragedy, and readers from around the world who witnessed the event through actual experience or through the media will be taken back to memories of that day that will chill their souls.

Brandon made a poor choice at school resulting in a suspension. Raised by a single father, the suspension requires him to go to work with his dad rather than be unsupervised at home. He's been to the restaurant on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center before, but today he isn't particularly happy about it. Once he and his dad arrive at the top of the giant building, he makes a decision he knows could get him in more trouble, but he is determined to make up for his mistake at school.

Once his dad is busy at work, Brandon heads back down the building via a nearby elevator. His destination is the Sky Lobby shopping area on a lower level. Disaster strikes while Brandon is in the crowded elevator. He and its occupants have no idea what has happened, but they know they must escape the elevator, and Brandon is convinced he must return to the 107th floor to be with his father.  One hundred and two minutes later as Brandon runs from the complete ruin of the two towers, he knows his life has been changed forever.

Reshmina lives in a small mountain village in Afghanistan. It is September 11, 2019. She knows the dangers of living in a place where the Afghan National Army, the Taliban, and American troops fire on one another on an almost daily basis. When she finds a wounded American soldier and decides to help him, she knows the risk. Reshmina could be putting her entire family and village in danger. Her twin brother's anger has convinced him the only answer to the constant chaos in their lives is to join the Taliban for revenge. Despite Reshmina's pleas, he heads to the Taliban camp leaving Reshmina to brave the consequences of her actions.

Through alternating voices Alan Gratz tells two memorable stories whose paths intertwine as they educate readers about 9/11 and its impact on our country and the world. GROUND ZERO is the best YA historical fiction book I've read in quite some time. I highly recommend it!