Home Children and 9 11—Books That Help
Children and 9/11—Books That Help
by Stephanie Zvirin and Beth Leistensnider
We now know a good deal about the circumstances surrounding the events of September 11, but there is still much to deal with when it comes to explaining the events to our children. The list below highlights some of the best 2002 books on the subject; reviews of some equally good new ones can be found on p.113. There will undoubtedly be more such books in the coming months, but feel confident in starting with these. They will help both readers and pre-readers gain a better understanding of and perhaps some peace about the tragedy that occurred a year ago.
Gellman, Marc, and Hartman, Thomas. Bad Stuff in the News: A Guide to Handling the Headlines. North-South/SeaStar, $14.95 (1-58717-132-5).
Gr. 4–8. The authors of several previous books for children, Rabbi Gellman and Monsignor Hartman help kids deal with the all-too-prevalent tragedies making headlines. Their first chapter confronts terrorism, dealing mostly with September 11. Other chapters focus on school shootings, domestic violence, and disease. Their well-reasoned, compassionate counsel will make this a good choice for kids to read on their own as well as with their parents.
Lalley, Patrick. 9.11.01: Terrorists Attack the U.S. illus. Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, lib. ed., $21.98 (0-7398-6021-6).
Gr. 4–7. After looking back at the shocking moments when terrorists directed planes toward their targets on September 11, Lalley straightforwardly summarizes what led to the tragedy, providing middle-graders with important background to help them put events in perspective as well as a sense of how terrorism has altered both politics and everyday life.
911: The Book of Help. Ed. by Michael Cart and others. Cricket/Marcato, $17.95 (0-8126-2659-1); paper, $9.95 (0-8126-2676-1).
Gr. 6–up. In a book that will appeal to both young people and adults, prominent children’s book authors offer short pieces reflecting on September 11. The contributors, ranging from Susan Cooper and Walter Dean Myers to Russell Freedman and editor Cart, express their feelings about the tragedy in personal essays, poems, and stories that show readers how writing can help make sense of seminal events in our lives. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to charity.
Osborne, Mary Pope. New York’s Bravest. Illus. by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Knopf, $15.95 (0-375-82196-1).
K–Gr. 3. Although not directly concerned with September 11, this impressive picture book, dedicated “to the memory of the 343 New York City firefighters who gave their lives to save others on September 11, 2001,” provides a sense of the courage, selflessness, determination, and danger at the heart of the firefighting profession by telling the story of 1840s New York firefighter Mose Humphrey, whose bravery became legendary. Boldly executed art supports the tall-tale flavor of a story that is both powerful and humane.
Poffenberger, Nancy. September 11th, 2001: A Simple Account for Children. illus. Fun Publishing, 2121 Alpine Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45206, paper, $8.95 (0-938293-12-5).
PreS–Gr. 2. Although this book lacks polish, it was one of the first to make the tragic events of September 11 accessible to very young children, and as long as it sticks to the facts, it’s a solid choice. Talking straight to her audience in simple terms, Poffenberger relates what occurred from the moment “an airplane flew right into one of the two towers of a place called the World Trade Center” to “people all over” pulling together to fight terrorism. Children will be especially drawn to the sincere art, contributed by kids from an Ohio elementary school.
Shaw, Tucker. Peace. illus. Penguin/Alloy, paper, $9.99 (0-14-230221-X).
Gr. 6–12. In this anthology of quotes and personal profiles, teens from Manhattan, across the country, and around the world express their thoughts and feelings about what happened on September 11 and their determination to work for peace in the world. A roundup of world leaders working for peace, a revealing time line of significant events in the twentieth century that have brought the world closer to peace, and information on ways to become involved in peace activism are part of the readable, consciousness-raising mix. Photographs scattered throughout the book give face to the teens whose voices are heard.
This Place I Know: Poems of Comfort. Ed. by Gerogia Heard. Candlewick, $16.99 (0-7636-1924-8).
Gr. 3–5, younger for reading aloud. In this striking combination of language and art, poems by Eloise Greenfield, Walt Whitman, Karla Kushkin, Wendell Berry, and others share space with full-page illustrations by 18 renowned picture-book artists to offer children consolation after the sorrow of September 11. Illustrators include Peter Sis, Elsa Kleven, and Yumi Heo. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Save the Children fund.
Wells, Donna K. and Morris, Bruce. C. Live Aware, Not in Fear: The 411 after 911—a Book for Teens. Health Communications, paper, $9.95 (0-7573-0013-8).
Gr. 6–12. In plain language, the authors not only attempt to clear up confusion and allay some of the fear engendered by the attacks but also provide teens with some specific actions (packing survival kits, setting escape routes, etc.) to help safeguard themselves, their families, and the people in their communities. One of the first books to confront the disaster from such a practical, outsider’s perspective.
Wheeler, Jill. September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed America. illus. ABDO/Daughters, lib. ed., $16.95 (1-57765-656-3).
Gr. 4–7. The 12-volume Terrorism in America series presents topics related to the attacks on September 11. This volume is the most specific, with photos as well as a matter-of-fact overview of the events of that tragic day and the aftermath. Other books in the series deal with such topics as Special Forces operations in Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden.
Beth Leistensnider is the assistant editor of Book Links magazine.
(Booklist/September 1, 2002)
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