His books are historical in nature, but written so a young person can understand and appreciate them. 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. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . You're awesome. He did an exceptional job at showing us that it isn't "us against them". With Brandons help, the people get off just before it drops down the shaft. Kenard Pak. In 2001, Brandon Chavez is spending the day with his father, who works at the World Trade Centers Windows on the World restaurant. "Ground Zero Summary". And that perfectly logical coincidental series of events is how any number of conspiracy theories are born. Schade, da es verschenkt werden soll. Similarly, in 2019, the revenge against Afghan people results in more deaths. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating The rumor had been started by the Taliban itself who then ambush the government troops. thissection. . Scholastic Press, 2021. More books than SparkNotes. 2022 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Titles,Junior Level Gratz has done an amazing job of capturing the heart of 9/11 and making it appropriate for this particular age group. Following September 11, 2001 attacks, the American soldiers wage war on Afghanistan to revenge against the atrocities committed by the terrorists. 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. 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. 2022 Texas Library Association Lone Star Reading List However, this nuance doesnt extend to the Afghan characters; Reshmina and Pasoon feel one-dimensional. 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. 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. His father tells him he must get out of the building. 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. An editor He says his name is Taz. 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. From Richards office, Brandon calls his father who reassures him they are all waiting for helicopters to rescue them. Trouble signing in? 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. Especially toward the middle. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. I really liked the book and the broken under ground mall part was great and the building falling over I do recommend it. x100 Only with a million times the drama. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. Our 12 year old is not a huge reader, but he is devouring this book. 11- year-old Reshmina has never not known war. It is an important book for our family. Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for 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, and. Richard and Brandon begin the descent. 2022-2023 Tennessee State Book Award Nominee 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. I'm the author of a number of books for young readers, including Refugee, Allies, Grenade, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. This is another back and forth story. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. Can they escape -- and what will the world be like when they do? Indeed, the conflict results in the destruction of properties and loss of lives from both ends. 2023 Sakura Medal Nominee Hell breaks loose when the complex building is attacked by terrorists leading to many deaths of innocent people including Brandons father. Parallel storylines take readers through the lives of two young people on Sept. 11 in 2001 and 2019. On the 20th floor, they stop long enough to call Brandons father. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Ground Zero is a realistic fiction work for young readers by Alan Gratz about both September 11 and life in Afghanistan two decades later. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. School Library Journal. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Can Reshmina live her dream of being more than a wife and will this adventure open her eyes to the problems Afghanistan faces. When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. Barnes & Noble Best Young Reader Books of 2021 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. The story focuses on the question should we be there in the first place? Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Really bad idea, especially when Brandon is separated from him, eventually finding a friend in Richard. During this time the building starts tremoring convulsively. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. When Taz is found wounded by Reshmina, he recalls the events that occurred eighteen years ago and understands the importance of working together. bestseller.In time for. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. Alan Gratz, Ground Zero 0 likes Like "As a boy, Pasoon had time for games and practical jokes. 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. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. It is a crisp September Tuesday in 2001. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. She is keen to improve her English while her twin brother, Pasoon, is inspired by the Taliban and wants to avenge their older sister, killed by an American bomb on her wedding day. The author is referring to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 2001 by terrorists. 2021-2022 Junior Tome Society It List September 11, 2001. Four kids fighting for their lives. Their lives are threatened, when Reshmina rescues an American soldier seriously injured in a surprise attack. Code of Honor Alan Gratz No preview available - 2018. Ground Zero. Lois Lowry, by In his characteristic style, he ends each chapter with a cliff-hanger, then picks up the narrative of the other character. The entire book was oh I'm going to live!, oh wait no I'm not!, oh I'm going to live! He runs off into the hills. War has a negative impact on the lives of people. 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). I didn't learn until the book was almost finished what the connection was between the two main characters. 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. Not affiliated with Harvard College. As they leave, a gunfight between the Taliban and the government forces erupts. Mr. Gatzs books can fill a much needed gap in literature for young people, and can help them develop a love for reading. Because no one will let us get past the Stone Age." Military Hardware Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry Gratz examines each event carefully to pass the message and encourage people to work together for common good. 2021 Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2023 Wisconsin Golden Archer Middle Grade Book Award Nominee RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2012. On September 11, 2001, Brandon joins his father at his job in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 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. Kirkus, This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating 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. The book expanded our perspectives. 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. Nine year old Brandon goes to work with his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. September 11, 2019. Reading the raw account of events from that day brought back so many memories and emotions. This MG book will be a hit with my students & generate a bunch of conversations between them & their parents. Pasoon is Reshminas brother. This is historically accurate, an amazing story with one of the greatest crossovers Ive ever read. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. The Story of Brandon and Reshmina. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. Reshmina is an 11-year old girl living in present-day Afghanistan, with dreams of her own. Five years younger than Lisa in Carol Matas' Lisa's War (1989), Annemarie Johansen has, at 10, known three years of Nazi occupation. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Ground Zerowill 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. 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. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. Her family and village become targets when they decide to extend sanctuary according to Muslim tradition when he enters their home. Ground Zero is a novel authored by Alan Gratz imparting the effects of war. Innocent victims are caught up in wars that are beyond their comprehension. Get help and learn more about the design. 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. 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. Brandon has been dismissed from the school following the physical altercation between him and another boy. My ten year old loves this book. CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. After the fierce gunfight, Reshmina finds an American soldier wounded and left behind. The two storylines develop in parallel through alternating chapters. Hes a fantastic writer, Im looking forward to this one. Lois Lowry 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. 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?) 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. More books than SparkNotes. Though occasionally heavy-handed, this debut offers a vivid glimpse of the 1960s South through the eyes of a spirited girl by Out of nowhere an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion that threatens everyone in the building. This is my first Gratz book. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023. The novel was published in early 2021 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. by The message passed by the author resonates well with young readers. The occurrence of the new events scares everyone. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Reshmina declines and returns to her family and the rubble that is her village. 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. This item: Ground Zero. Reshmina and Pasoon thus becomes engaged in a face-off over the fate of the soldier with the strange doll attached to his uniform. Eighteen years after the World Trade Center attack, an eleven-year-old Afghan girl called Reshmina experiences similar events analogous to what happened during September 11, 2001 attack. Therefore, there is a no-win situation in the war. Reshmina saves the life of an American Soldier and puts her whole village in danger. She leads the helpless soldier back to her home. It was raw and emotional. His new book is "Ground Zero." Alan Gratz is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for young readers, including "Allies," "Grenade," "Projekt 1065," "Prisoner B-3087," and "Code . I loved how Gratz put into perspective that the event Brandon is enduring killed many lives . It seems written for kids, but my child is not quite ready for a book with this content. Two Degrees. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. 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. Taz is the nickname of an America soldier who develops a close bond with Reshmina. delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear - and the stunning links between the past and present. 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. influencers in the know since 1933. 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,. Lois Lowry Brandon is heading to the underground mall when a plane piloted by al-Qaida hits the tower, and his father is among those killed. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war. Ground Zero Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to 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 the elevator, Brandon feels a shudder before the car lurches precipitously. Unknown to many of them, the building is under attack. He accompanies his father to the restaurant where his father works, The Windows of the World, on the 107th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center complex. A must-have. The story shows how retribution causes more troubles rather than solutions. I read all of Brandon's story, then went back and read all of Reshmina's story. With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. Between 1 and 2 stars. School Library Journal - STARRED REVIEW Scholastic Press, 2021. The instant #1 New York Times. Without warning, Afghan and American troops swarm the village going door to door looking for a Taliban weapons cache. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. 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. The author of the book, Alan Gratz, deliberately uses children to demonstrate how revenge culminates in the suffering of innocent victims. I was a bit worried going into this one. 2022-2023 Ohio Buckeye Book Award Nominee Although Reshminas story takes place almost two decades later, her story proves to have many connections to Brandons. Afghanistan. What do we tell them? Alan Gratz. Your email address will not be published. If I were still teaching 6th or 7th grade reading, this author would be one I could recommend to certain students. Luckily, my grandmother and great-aunt were fine and had left NYC the night before and were on the road back. Wow! Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SCIENCES | 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. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Reshmina tells him no money can restore their life. The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. Falters in its oversimplified portrayal of a complicated region and people. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Please choose a different delivery location. It was boring and slow. Turns out, cell service wasn't working very well that day as everyone was trying to get ahold of loved ones. We did and saw the mess that happen after but it does make you wonder if it was all worth it. 2023 Oklahoma Sequoyah Intermediate Book Award Nominee Get news and updates about the stuff Alan writes! The author through the characters stresses the importance of working together and avoiding the situations that lead to wars. 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. Explanations for the U.S. military invasion of Afghanistan in the authors note and in characters conversations too simplistically present the U.S. presence. However, Gratz does not sugar coat the events of that day or its lasting effects for young readers. Desperate, Reshmina follows to head him off. I loved this book. Follow me on Twitter: @alangratz, 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. by ALAN GRATZ Paperback . The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2021). And not just for young people. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number). It is September, 2019, in a west Afghan mountain town near Asadabad along the Pakistan border. The takeaway message questioning the ongoing American presence in Afghanistan might have been quite different a decade ago. What a read! An editor Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and Scholastic for a complimentary copy. RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. In spring 2020, when all the libraries were closed, one of my daughters asked me to buy a book for her: This book is a 2 part book and if I could I would give the story of Brandon who survives the World Trade center bombing a 5 star and the story of Reshmina a 3 star. 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. She lives in a remote village where the Taliban lurk, and her twin brother is trying to find his own way. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. The novel explores the consequences of war on innocent civilians who have no comprehension of the happenings leading up to the confrontation. 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. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2021. by Alan Gratz Ground Zero Summary These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. Retrieve credentials. A must-have. People should not tolerate the eruption of any war in their countries. This may be just be my new Gratz favorite. 2022-2023 Virginia Readers Choice Award Nominee 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Quotes and a Free Quiz on Reshmina dreams of being more than the dutiful wife and mother that her Muslim culture demands her to be. . #1 New York Times Bestseller! A must-have. 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. It went beyond 9/11. Explosions from overhead rock the caves. 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. Talking to his father, Brandon is stunned to see a plane fly deliberately into the South Tower. There was a problem loading your book clubs. His 2017 novel. When her brother finds out, he is livid and heads up to the mountains to tell the Taliban who hide out in caves. ABA Indie Bestseller List CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION | Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz February 15, 2021 ~ Janet Dawson Published by Scholastic 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. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. Readers are certain to be inspired by the courage and determination shown by Brandon and Reshmina in Ground Zero. 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. Brandon accompanies his father to the World Trade Center on that fateful day. There are rulesYou punch somebody, you get suspended, no matter why you did it (5). Ground Zero is a novel authored by Alan Gratz imparting the effects of war. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. Descriptions of the Talibans Afghan victims and Reshmina's gentle father notwithstanding, references to all young men eventually joining the Taliban and Pasoon's zeal for their cause counteract this messaging. 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. The two young characters are directly affected by the war they know nothing about. 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. Scholastic Press, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-24575-2. Pasoon angrily reminds his sister that the Taliban not the Americans, are her people. Flood. This is a riveting story told from two points of view that finally converge. Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! The story of Reshmina is a hard one especially since we pulled out of Afghanistan recently. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. Oscar, Elizabeth. This book was very hard to read and upsetting, due to the nature of the subject matter. When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Alan Gratz has done it again. Publishing in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this tautly paced novel by Gratz ( Resist) explores the events . 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. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. It also got political at the end. Leo works as a kitchen manager in one of the hotels set in North Tower. She is in fact teaching herself English. 2022-2023 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee Brandon and Reshmina cannot discern the purpose served by the attacks. 2023 Utah Beehive Book Award Nominee As it turns out, Taz and the rest of his platoon have been lured int a trap by the Taliban and he is badly wounded. Ground Zero. 20 Total Resources View Text Complexity Discover Like Books Audio Excerpt from Ground Zero; Video Book Trailer for Ground Zero; Name Pronunciation with Alan Gratz; Grade; 4-8; Genre; Historical Fiction; Year Published 2021. The 9/11 attacks led to the destruction of properties and the loss of innocent lives. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Ground Zero. The young girl is torn between saving the life of the soldier and informing the Taliban about him. I was worried it was going to be an "us against them" approach.