Book Review: Seven and a Half Tons of Steel

SEVEN AND A HALF TONS OF STEEL by Janet Nolan tells the extraordinary story of a navy ship built with steel from the World Trade Center tragedy.

After the World Trade Centers collapsed on 9/11, seven and a half tons of steel from the disaster site was transported to New Orleans and used in the bow of the USS New York. While Hurricane Katrina delayed the project, the ship was ultimately completed in time for the tenth anniversary of 9/11 in New York.

Librarians will find this nonfiction picture book to be an age-appropriate story true story for elementary children. Rather than focusing on the tragedy itself, the author chooses to explore the uplifting story of rebuilding.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.janetnolan.com/.

Published by Peachtree on August 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Towers Falling

TOWERS FALLING by Jewell Parker Rhodes tells the powerful story of a young girl learning about the history of 9/11.

Set in New York City, Deja is a homeless child enrolled in a new school. Along with her new friends Ben and Sabeen, the fifth-grader learns about the history of the 9/11 attacks as part of the school’s curriculum. As she dives into an exploration of this historical event, Deja soon discovers a personal connection she never imagined.

This thought-provoking story explores a wide range of important historical and socio-political connections to this event that occurred before the birth of today’s elementary children. Rhodes skillfully teaches children about the historical event within a story about friendship and family.

Librarians will find this to be an important addition to their library collection. Consider purchasing a class set and working with teachers to weave the novel into the curriculum.

To learn more about the author, go to http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette Books on July 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.