Gun Book Reviews: I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001
Book: I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001
Author: Lauren Tarshis
Publish Date: July 2012
Reviewed By: Greg Summers
Date of Review: September 2012
Age Level: 7 and up
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001
As I write this review, it is the 11th anniversary of 9/11. All the social network sites have been buzzing today with images that remind us to never forget what happened on that day. But like most adults, I am nowhere near the point of forgetting the terrible events that occurred. Like most adults, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the attacks began. And like most adults, I realize that these events dramatically changed the world in which we live. My fear is that the younger generation doesn’t have an adequate understanding of 9/11.
Recently, my wife and I became aware of a children’s book that is meant to help kids have a better understanding of 9/11: I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001, by Lauren Tarshis.
My plan was to read the book before our son had a chance to read it. However, he beat me to it. On a positive note, he finished the book last night (9/10), so we had a chance to discuss it on the ride to school this morning. The timing was perfect! And I have to say, I was very pleased with our conversation. Not only did he say he enjoyed reading the book, but he was able to have what I consider to be an informed conversation on the subject of 9/11.
Of course, prior to writing a review I felt I had to read the book myself. So, this afternoon I spent an hour or so reading I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001.
The story follows the life of an 11 year old boy whose pre-9/11 world revolved around football. But, as it did for most of us, 9/11 had a way of changing his perspective on life. The boy’s father and a close family friend are both members of the FDNY. This gives the reader an inside view of some of the heroes of 9/11, and their sacrifices.
I think the author, Lauren Tarshis, took a great approach to writing the book. Let’s face it… 9/11 is a traumatic topic. But, she handled it in a way that is “gentle” enough for younger readers.
The actual story focuses on the twin towers. So when I finished the regular chapters, I felt like a large part of the 9/11 story (American Airlines Flight 77, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93) was missing. However, the epilogue remedies this in a big way. It contains a fascinating insight as to why the author wrote this book, a timeline of the events of September 11, 2001, as well as general questions and answers about 9/11. BE SURE YOUR KIDS READ THE EPILOGUE!!
If you have a young child and feel it is important for him/her to have a better understanding of the events of 9/11, I would highly recommend I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001, by Lauren Tarshis.
I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001, by Lauren Tarshis can be purchased at the following sites:
Shop Now: Barnes and Noble
Shop Now: Amazon
