This MG book will be a hit with my students & generate a bunch of conversations between them & their parents. The author of the book, Alan Gratz, deliberately uses children to demonstrate how revenge culminates in the suffering of innocent victims. 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. More books than SparkNotes. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION | Unknown to many of them, the building is under attack. 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. It is September, 2019, in a west Afghan mountain town near Asadabad along the Pakistan border. A must-have. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES, by Alan Gratz. Can Brandon surviveand escape? The 9/11 attacks led to the destruction of properties and the loss of innocent lives. 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). He is not nearly as happy about the changes wrought by the American influence on his country and is making plans to join the Taliban. Flood. 2021 Grateful American Book Prize Fights and revenge lead to more troubles rather than resolving the issues. Similarly, in 2019, the revenge against Afghan people results in more deaths. He does not get far before he smells smoke and sees large cracks in the stairwell sheetrock walls. Ground Zero is a number one New York Times bestseller The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relents A contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. 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. School Library Journal Reshmina and Pasoon thus becomes engaged in a face-off over the fate of the soldier with the strange doll attached to his uniform. This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | Please use a different way to share. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. I also felt like this book would be much too intense for my 11 year old. I love this author their work is great. 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. Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! Brandon, a 9-year-old boy, goes to work for the day with his dad . Then Brandon feels the ground shudder overhead and then everything goes dark. For this book alone I did something I've never done before. The fierce fighting between the Afghan National Army, supported by the Americans, and the Taliban insurgents who seek to return the country to a rigid Muslim theocracy has raged for close to 20 years. This book was very hard to read and upsetting, due to the nature of the subject matter. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION, by Out of nowhere an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion that threatens everyone in the building. 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. illustrated by For a Middle Grader reading this I recommend a parent reading this 1st to see if it is a story you child should read? It looks like WhatsApp is not installed on your phone. 2023 Sakura Medal Nominee In Stock. The chapters detailing Brandons experiences surviving the attack and collapse of the Twin Towers alternate with those of an equally young Afghanistan girl named Reshmina. 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. It was a great book, and interesting to read just after finishing I Am Malala, in my opinion! 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. But, I should've known better and trusted Gratz. If I were still teaching 6th or 7th grade reading, this author would be one I could recommend to certain students. In the confusion, Reshmina watches helplessly as an American missile destroys her familys home. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club thats right for you for free. Her family and village become targets when they decide to extend sanctuary according to Muslim tradition when he enters their home. 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,. On September 11, 2001, Brandon joins his father at his job in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Categories: Please try again. He offers Reshmina help getting her into a program that would train her to be a UN interpreter. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Brandon seems haunted by what happened in the school leading to his suspension. 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. Finally, she decides to help the soldier from being killed by the Taliban. Code of Honor Alan Gratz No preview available - 2018. It's September 11, 2001. Categories: More books than SparkNotes. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - A must-have. The book expanded our perspectives. In the case of any war, there is no winner. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-24575-2. The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. Our 12 year old is not a huge reader, but he is devouring this book. Retrieve credentials. Lois Lowry 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. Tazs nickname is earned as a result of the stuffed Tasmanian Devil figure that never leaves his side, working as a powerful talisman of good fortune in the face of overwhelmingly bad odds of survival. Two kids. Way to go! This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. As a girl, Reshmina worked from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep at night. Desperate, Reshmina follows to head him off. Reshmina tells him no money can restore their life. What do we tell them? Get it Jan 19 - 24. Without warning, Afghan and American troops swarm the village going door to door looking for a Taliban weapons cache. 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. I really enjoyed Refugee, but this one was not the author's best work, in my opinion. $15.99. How much detail do we share? illustrated by The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. Ground Zero is a realistic fiction work for young readers by Alan Gratz about both September 11 and life in Afghanistan two decades later. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. By bestselling author Alan Gratz. 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. In time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Ground Zero delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fearand the stunning links between the past and present. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Should we leave? by ALAN GRATZ Paperback . GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. I didn't learn until the book was almost finished what the connection was between the two main characters. Falters in its oversimplified portrayal of a complicated region and people. Brandon goes to work with his Dad on 9/11 who works on the 107 floor of the World Trade Center. Sexton, Timothy. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Both events occur due to war conflict between America and middle east countries. In his characteristic style, he ends each chapter with a cliff-hanger, then picks up the narrative of the other character. "Ground Zero Summary". I liked this book until the last chapter when the author felt the need to put his political opinion in rather than stick to the historical background he used in the rest of the book. Oscar, Elizabeth. Ground Zero Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to His father tells him he must get out of the building. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Ground Zero. An editor When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great If I hadn't been forced to read it for school I wouldn't of. 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. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2021. 2021 Chicago Public Librarys Best of the Best ListBest Fiction for Older Readers Many people lose their lives without knowing the motive behind the attacks. It is a harder read even for me a 52 year old. On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. In Stock. September 11, 2020, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. Taking turns, chapter by chapter was annoying. September 11, 2001. Anyone of any age can learn from this book and others by this author. More books than SparkNotes. Ground Zero is a perfect combination of two different genreshistorical fiction and realistic fictionthat will teach you more about 9/11 and how much the Taliban has affected Reshmina and her village. Brandon knows his father is dead. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. The other person in this story is Reshmina, a young Afghan girl whose family is caught between the fighting between the Americans and Afghan soldiers and the Taliban. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Trouble signing in? It is an important book for our family. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . He chose to do a book report project on this book. All Rights Reserved. . September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. The entire book was oh I'm going to live!, oh wait no I'm not!, oh I'm going to live! This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Quotes and a Free Quiz on Taz, reunited with his outfit, moves about the shellshocked villagers offering them money to cover their losses. Nothing will ever be the same. As you follow Brandon and his fight for survival realizing that he can make it out but his Dad won't, you pray that he and a man who helps him does get out alive. Suspended from school for standing up to a bully, he goes to work with his father on 9/11. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. While heading to the workplace, Leo advises his son against engaging in fistfights. The two young characters are directly affected by the war they know nothing about. Brandon should be in school, but he has been suspended for punching a bully who took another kids toy Wolverine gloves. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. thissection. When Taz is found wounded by Reshmina, he recalls the events that occurred eighteen years ago and understands the importance of working together. Get it as soon as Monday, Jan 16. In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (. ) GROUND ZERO by Alan Gratz RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021 Parallel storylines take readers through the lives of two young people on Sept. 11 in 2001 and 2019. 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 alternating event occurs in the countryside region of Afghanistan in 2019. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . You have successfully joined Alan's newsletter list! 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. It also got political at the end. An editor It was raw and emotional. 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 occurrence of the new events scares everyone. Her twin brother, Pasoon, never forgave the American infidels and vows to join the Taliban insurgency. Alan Gratz, Ground Zero 0 likes Like "As a boy, Pasoon had time for games and practical jokes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. My ten year old loves this book. . 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. Ground Zero is amazing! Augusta Scattergood. The story shows how retribution causes more troubles rather than solutions. RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. What is it they should know? Four kids fighting for their lives. Five years younger than Lisa in Carol Matas' Lisa's War (1989), Annemarie Johansen has, at 10, known three years of Nazi occupation. Explosions from overhead rock the caves. 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. More books than SparkNotes. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz | Official Book Trailer Watch on Praise The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relentsA contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. An editor Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. 336 pages; grades 5-8. 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. A Tear jerking story of survival that I won't forget anytime soon. It went beyond 9/11. #1 New York Times Bestseller! His books are historical in nature, but written so a young person can understand and appreciate them. There, Brandon struggles to understand the news reports about the terrorists who had attacked the Towers. 2022-2023 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award Nominee 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. As fate would have it, his father also dies prematurely after attacks. When the villagers finally emerge, the village is rubble. This story, however, is merely about connections and coincidence, not connections and conspiracies. Scholastic Press, 2021. Barnes & Noble Best Young Reader Books of 2021 When her brother finds out, he is livid and heads up to the mountains to tell the Taliban who hide out in caves. 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. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. 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. Alan Gratz. I would have preferred to have read Brandon's novella first and then Reshmina's with the author bringing them together at the end. Afghanistan. Brandon accompanies his father to the World Trade Center on that fateful day. And not just for young people. When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. From Richards office, Brandon calls his father who reassures him they are all waiting for helicopters to rescue them. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. 2022-2023 Tennessee State Book Award Nominee Alan Gratz This Study Guide consists of approximately 62 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Ground Zero. The two protagonists stories intersect at the end of the book, and each one gains a new perspective from meeting the other. Alan Gratz. The place is calm than usual and Brandon is tasked with placing flower vases on tables. Gratz moves back and forth between the two narratives in short, nail-biting chapters that create a vivid picture of each setting and make readers feel invested in each characters relationships and choices, and in the high-stakes global forces that affect the intimate details of their lives. Horn Book, Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. This is like the Stone Age. Fin You can help us out by revising, improving and updating We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. With two action-packed perspectives, Gratz powerfully explores the ways in which the past shapes the present. The Ground Zero Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. I live in the mountains of western North Carolina with my family, where I enjoy reading, playing games, and eating pizza. Ground Zero. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. 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. The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. ; About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Alan Gratz did it again. Not affiliated with Harvard College. 2023 Mississippi Magnolia Award Nominee When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Oscar, Elizabeth. Mr. Gatzs books can fill a much needed gap in literature for young people, and can help them develop a love for reading. Aber Ecken des Buches leider schon geknickt. 2021-2022 Lectio Book Award Master List. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. She decides to help him although her compassion may put her family and her entire village at risk. This is another back and forth story. Reshmina helps a wounded American soldier, making her village a Taliban target. Glory cant believe it the Hanging Moss Community Pool is closing right before her July Fourth birthday. Ground Zero. I spent a week reading all of the Goodreads Choice Awards finalists in the Middle Grade category, complete with my entire thoughts on each book, and which books I think should have won and in what order. 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). 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. Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2021). In 2001, Brandon Chavez is spending the day with his father, who works at the World Trade Centers Windows on the World restaurant. 2023 Oklahoma Sequoyah Intermediate Book Award Nominee Thank you! 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. His only chore was to take the goats up into the mountains to graze for a few hours. The story focuses on the question should we be there in the first place? This may be just be my new Gratz favorite. War leads to a lose-lose situation. Library 2035 S. Naper Blvd., Naperville, IL 60565 . Brandon, unsure what has happened, decides to take the stairs up, to return to his father. He tells her that he joined the army to help avenge the attack, but that now that mission had lost its purpose. The Ground Zero Community Note includes chapter-by-chapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. So we weren't able to do anything but follow the news, imagining the worst as we waited for the travel agency to get back to us with updates as to whether or not my grandma and her sister were scheduled to visit the Twin Towers that day or were in the area during the attack. It is 2001, a beautiful September Tuesday in Manhattan. We did and saw the mess that happen after but it does make you wonder if it was all worth it. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. The Story of Brandon and Reshmina. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Ground Zero. Nine-year-old Brandon Chavez heads into Manhattan with his father who works in the Windows on the World, the toney restaurant atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center. influencers in the know since 1933. thissection. Trying to fix the damage done due to standing up to a bully, Brandon sneaks away from his father, who is a chef at Windows on the World. Kirkus, This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relentsA contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanitys survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. Innocent victims are caught up in wars that are beyond their comprehension. 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. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022. Pasoon is Reshminas brother. 2022 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Titles,Junior Level Indeed, the conflict results in the destruction of properties and loss of lives from both ends. He says his name is Taz. The story of Reshmina is a hard one especially since we pulled out of Afghanistan recently. 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. Lois Lowry Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) [SuperSummary] on Amazon.com. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. 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. Required fields are marked *. Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) 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. Can they escape -- and what will the world be like when they do? bestseller.In time for. 2021 Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2023 Wisconsin Golden Archer Middle Grade Book Award Nominee School Library Journal - STARRED REVIEW War has a negative impact on the lives of people. The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Brandons father, Leo Chavez, works as a chef at one of the restaurants situated in the North Tower. Then you follow Reshmina who lives in Afghanistan. With Brandons help, the people get off just before it drops down the shaft. RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2012. After the fierce gunfight, Reshmina finds an American soldier wounded and left behind. His father talks to Richard. I did not think the two stories blended, despite the clever bridge by author Gratz. 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. Reshmina dreams of being more than the dutiful wife and mother that her Muslim culture demands her to be. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry The authors note tied everything up well - the history and his connection to this horrific day. The words hit Taz hard and realize that people should not be against each other. It is during this time the first plane is flown into the twin towers. I found myself rolling my eyes quite often at some of the not-at-all subtle hints of what was to come later in the book (it wasn't really foreshadowing - more like a wink to the older readers?) 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. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great A soldier gets hurt and Reshmina gets her family to help him but at what cost. RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1989. With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war. Lois Lowry, by