It didn't seem that long ago when I walked home after school to find my mom in a frenzy - her mother and aunt had left for New York the week before on a bus tour and shopping trip around New York City. This story, however, is merely about connections and coincidence, not connections and conspiracies. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Two kids. In the caves, there is an angry confrontation about the prolonged American occupation between Taz and the villagers. 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. Four kids fighting for their lives. The novel covers in alternating chapters the stories of two characters, Brandon Chavez, a nine-year-old boy living in New York City in 2001, and Reshmina, an 11-year-old Afghan girl living near Asadabad in 2019. The occurrence of the new events scares everyone. Categories: However, this nuance doesnt extend to the Afghan characters; Reshmina and Pasoon feel one-dimensional. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. A must-have. Brandon seems haunted by what happened in the school leading to his suspension. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. There were lots of plot twists that were really pushed. $15.99. "Ground Zero Characters". The author of the book, Alan Gratz, deliberately uses children to demonstrate how revenge culminates in the suffering of innocent victims. Scholastic Press, 2021. 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. Publishing in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this tautly paced novel by Gratz ( Resist) explores the events . ; A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguardsnot only for their king, who was in the habit by Violence leads to political and economic turmoil. School Library Journal - STARRED REVIEW 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. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . Anyone of any age can learn from this book and others by this author. Though ever cautious and fearful of the ubiquitous soldiers, she is largely unaware of the extent of the danger around her; the Resistance kept even its participants safer by telling them as little as possible, and Annemarie has never been told that her older sister Lise died in its service. 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. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. Ground Zero is a realistic fiction work for young readers by Alan Gratz about both September 11 and life in Afghanistan two decades later. Their lives are threatened, when Reshmina rescues an American soldier seriously injured in a surprise attack. A must-have. Fights and revenge lead to more troubles rather than resolving the issues. It was raw and emotional. He tells her that he joined the army to help avenge the attack, but that now that mission had lost its purpose. Author Alan Gratz delivers a haunting and powerful page-turner of a novel, this time focusing on terrorism and the costs of a long-fought war. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. I have looked it up and no the story line in the My son loved this book, he was done it in 2 days, the only thing I would say is that he was confused if the story line in the book was a real story from a little boy and girl that dealt with this tragic even from that day. Tensions have been building since Freedom Workers from the North started shaking up status quo, and Glory finds herself embroiled in it when her new, white friend from Ohio boldly drinks from the Colored Only fountain. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - Her twin brother, Pasoon, never forgave the American infidels and vows to join the Taliban insurgency. Ice. 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. 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 seems written for kids, but my child is not quite ready for a book with this content. People should not tolerate the eruption of any war in their countries. Pros: Alan Gratz has produced another historical fiction novel filled with compelling characters and heart-pounding action. The message passed by the author resonates well with young readers. School Library Journal In his authors note he mentions that it has taken him 20 years to feel ready to write about 9/11, and I think he was wise to wait. Even as Brandon and Richard begin to run together, the North Tower comes down. 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. Booklist, 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. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great Therefore, there is a no-win situation in the war. 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?) Alan Gratz did it again. Summary: Brandon has been suspended from school and is spending the day of September 11, 2001 with his dad, who works at the Windows of the World restaurant in the World Trade Center. Brandon Chavez is suspended from school for punching a bully who stole expensive Wolverine gloves from another student. 2021 Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2023 Wisconsin Golden Archer Middle Grade Book Award Nominee Hell breaks loose when the complex building is attacked by terrorists leading to many deaths of innocent people including Brandons father. Although Reshminas story takes place almost two decades later, her story proves to have many connections to Brandons. I love this author their work is great. RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2012. The Story of Brandon and Reshmina. USA Today Bestseller List, 2022 Hampshire (UK) Book Award Winner Because no one will let us get past the Stone Age." Military Hardware The young girl is torn between saving the life of the soldier and informing the Taliban about him. Barnes & Noble Best Young Reader Books of 2021 He offers Reshmina help getting her into a program that would train her to be a UN interpreter. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. His 2017 novel. Fin There was a problem loading your book clubs. With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. In alternating chapters, readers spend the day of September 11, 2019 with Reshmina, a girl in Afghanistan who rescues an American soldier and pays a price when the Taliban finds out. All opinions expressed are my own. Wow! The only issue I had with this book was the set up. But the story is wonderful and recommend it, with permission. I was a bit worried going into this one. Written by Elizabeth Oscar On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. This may be just be my new Gratz favorite. Wow. Trouble signing in? 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. It also got political at the end. While heading to the workplace, Leo advises his son against engaging in fistfights. The author through the characters stresses the importance of working together and avoiding the situations that lead to wars. This item: Ground Zero. In Stock. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION, by This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. On the 20th floor, they stop long enough to call Brandons father. Then you follow Reshmina who lives in Afghanistan. The 9/11 attacks led to the destruction of properties and the loss of innocent lives. The takeaway message questioning the ongoing American presence in Afghanistan might have been quite different a decade ago. 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. The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. Nine year old Brandon goes to work with his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. It was raw and emotional. Explanations for the U.S. military invasion of Afghanistan in the authors note and in characters conversations too simplistically present the U.S. presence. In his characteristic style, he ends each chapter with a cliff-hanger, then picks up the narrative of the other character. She is in fact teaching herself English. Many people lose their lives without knowing the motive behind the attacks. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war. 2023 Utah Beehive Book Award Nominee 2022 New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award Winner Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! I was worried it was going to be an "us against them" approach. A day that I was here to witness, but one that happened before they were born. 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. Alan Gratz, Ground Zero 0 likes Like "As a boy, Pasoon had time for games and practical jokes. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SCIENCES | War conflicts bring losses and nobody emerges a winner. Oscar, Elizabeth. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | Not affiliated with Harvard College. Suspended from school for standing up to a bully, he goes to work with his father on 9/11. This book made me tear up even though I knew the ending as I cracked the spine. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. It is 2001, a beautiful September Tuesday in Manhattan. With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. Both events occur due to war conflict between America and middle east countries. 2022-2023 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee by Alan Gratz Hardcover . 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. I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday so the fact we are coming up on the 20th anniversary is mind blowing. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. 2021 Sandhills Bestseller List 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. The book concludes with the Jews' return, after the war, to homes well kept for them by their neighbors. help you understand the book. When the two finally make their up and out, through the smoke and falling debris they see the South Tower is gone. He runs off into the hills. Gratz examines each event carefully to pass the message and encourage people to work together for common good. Reshmina helps a wounded American soldier, making her village a Taliban target. It is an important book for our family. Suddenly, an airplane hits the building, forever changing Brandon's life, his father's life, the thousands of lives of the people working in the skyscraper, and the world. Should we leave? 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. . It was a great book, and interesting to read just after finishing I Am Malala, in my opinion! The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.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.September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center.