ground zero alan gratz summary

Then you follow Reshmina who lives in Afghanistan. It is a crisp September Tuesday in 2001. Should she help himand put herself and her family in mortal danger? 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 twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (. ) 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. In the elevator, Brandon feels a shudder before the car lurches precipitously. It went beyond 9/11. 2022-2023 Ohio Buckeye Book Award Nominee The two protagonists stories intersect at the end of the book, and each one gains a new perspective from meeting the other. As a girl, Reshmina worked from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep at night. When governments engage in endless wars, citizens tend to bear the brunt of war consequences. 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. When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. The two head to Richards office on the 90th floor. This book was very hard to read and upsetting, due to the nature of the subject matter. In Stock. "Ground Zero Background". Jonathan Stroh, by Mr. Gatzs books can fill a much needed gap in literature for young people, and can help them develop a love for reading. Ground Zero is a novel authored by Alan Gratz imparting the effects of war. War conflicts bring losses and nobody emerges a winner. Alan Gratz. The young boy is left only with his father. Get it Jan 19 - 24. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. While heading to the workplace, Leo advises his son against engaging in fistfights. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. #1 New York Times Bestseller! Not affiliated with Harvard College. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. 2022-2023 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee 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. 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. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - It was a great book, and interesting to read just after finishing I Am Malala, in my opinion! It is during this time the first plane is flown into the twin towers. Then Brandon feels the ground shudder overhead and then everything goes dark. This is a riveting story told from two points of view that finally converge. 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. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating thissection. 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. Ships from and sold by Zenieth. On the 20th floor, they stop long enough to call Brandons father. When his father isnt looking, Brandon sneaks out to buy a toy in the mall. The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. Therefore, there is a no-win situation in the war. Get help and learn more about the design. Can he survive - and escape? 2022 New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award Winner This book made me tear up even though I knew the ending as I cracked the spine. However, this nuance doesnt extend to the Afghan characters; Reshmina and Pasoon feel one-dimensional. Reshmina is an 11-year old girl living in present-day Afghanistan, with dreams of her own. 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. 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. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. The young girl is torn between saving the life of the soldier and informing the Taliban about him. He does not get far before he smells smoke and sees large cracks in the stairwell sheetrock walls. But, I should've known better and trusted Gratz. 2022-2023 Tennessee State Book Award Nominee Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. But the story is wonderful and recommend it, with permission. Especially toward the middle. Ground Zero is a realistic fiction work for young readers by Alan Gratz about both September 11 and life in Afghanistan two decades later. Ice. In his characteristic style, he ends each chapter with a cliff-hanger, then picks up the narrative of the other character. The following edition was used for this study guide: Gratz, Alan. Fin Your email address will not be published. "Ground Zero Summary". I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday so the fact we are coming up on the 20th anniversary is mind blowing. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. A day that I was here to witness, but one that happened before they were born. Gratz examines each event carefully to pass the message and encourage people to work together for common good. Out of nowhere an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion that threatens everyone in the building. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022. 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. If I were still teaching 6th or 7th grade reading, this author would be one I could recommend to certain students. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. Wow! September 11, 2020, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. The American soldier, disguised in a burqa, joins the family as they head to the caves under the village to hide before the Taliban arrives. Alan Gratz is the bestselling author of a number of novels for young readers. Richard and Brandon begin the descent. The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. She lives in a remote village where the Taliban lurk, and her twin brother is trying to find his own way. Can you believe it's already been (nearly) 20 years since 9/11? Scholastic Press, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-338-24575-2. Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz Share Item #101764 in Online-Only Grades: 5 - 8 Ages: 10 - 13 Format: Paperback Book Write a review Short Summary In this work of historical fiction, the anniversary of 9/11 reminds two young people of the tragic events that changed their lives forever. Before they hang up, his father tells Brandon to do something worth living for. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022. 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. The author of the book, Alan Gratz, deliberately uses children to demonstrate how revenge culminates in the suffering of innocent victims. Reshmina and Pasoon thus becomes engaged in a face-off over the fate of the soldier with the strange doll attached to his uniform. 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. For a Middle Grader reading this I recommend a parent reading this 1st to see if it is a story you child should read? Book was ok until near the end where the author called Americans bullies and inserted his political views. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. ABA Indie Bestseller List I love this author their work is great. Ground Zero is amazing! 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. Reading the raw account of events from that day brought back so many memories and emotions. 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist I read all of Brandon's story, then went back and read all of Reshmina's story. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION | . My ten year old loves this book. Ground Zero - Pages 1 - 73 Summary & Analysis 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. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION, by CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. There was a problem loading your book clubs. 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. Get news and updates about the stuff Alan writes! Afghanistan. As fate would have it, his father also dies prematurely after attacks. She leads the helpless soldier back to her home. This book was real - I had both tears and chills. It is September, 2019, in a west Afghan mountain town near Asadabad along the Pakistan border. Required fields are marked *. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. His only chore was to take the goats up into the mountains to graze for a few hours. Brandons mother died recently after a long battle with cancer. Meanwhile, Reshmina is just now hearing about the stimulating event for that American military presence in her country from Taz who, she learns, was actually in the towers the day of the attack and lost his father who worked there. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - In the caves, there is an angry confrontation about the prolonged American occupation between Taz and the villagers. read more. Desperate, Reshmina follows to head him off. It looks like WhatsApp is not installed on your phone. 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. With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . Reshmina saves the life of an American Soldier and puts her whole village in danger. This may be just be my new Gratz favorite. School Library Journal - STARRED REVIEW A must-have. A few moments later, Brandon and his father arrive at the working place. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Unknown to many of them, the building is under attack. Augusta Scattergood. Nine year old Brandon goes to work with his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. More books than SparkNotes. Nothing will ever be the same. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2021. A Tear jerking story of survival that I won't forget anytime soon. An editor 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. The story shows how retribution causes more troubles rather than solutions. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. 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. I really enjoyed Refugee, but this one was not the author's best work, in my opinion. There were lots of plot twists that were really pushed. 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. 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. 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. On the way into the Tower lobby, Brandon helps a Black man trying to get on the escalator and juggling three cups of coffee and his briefcase. 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. Brandons father, Leo Chavez, works as a chef at one of the restaurants situated in the North Tower. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Indeed, the conflict results in the destruction of properties and loss of lives from both ends. She wants to teach. The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. 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. 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 is an important book for our family. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. Code of Honor Alan Gratz No preview available - 2018. thissection. Her family and village become targets when they decide to extend sanctuary according to Muslim tradition when he enters their home. Reshmina returns to her village. It seems written for kids, but my child is not quite ready for a book with this content. Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. I loved this book. Falters in its oversimplified portrayal of a complicated region and people. This item: Ground Zero. 2022-2023 Virginia Readers Choice Award Nominee 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. by Alan Gratz Hardcover . The story of Reshmina is a hard one especially since we pulled out of Afghanistan recently. In the confusion, Reshmina watches helplessly as an American missile destroys her familys home. 2021-2022 Junior Tome Society It List She begs him not to tell the Taliban about the American soldier, that they will kill his entire family for harboring the American. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. thissection. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. Lois Lowry 2023 Utah Beehive Book Award Nominee 2021-2022 Lectio Book Award Master List. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. 2023 Mississippi Magnolia Award Nominee September 11, 2001. 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. 2022 SIBA Southern Book Prize Finalist He runs off into the hills. I loved how Gratz put into perspective that the event Brandon is enduring killed many lives . The occurrence of the new events scares everyone. ; illustrated by 2022 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Titles,Junior Level Brandon has been dismissed from the school following the physical altercation between him and another boy. On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz February 27, 2022. . When the two finally make their up and out, through the smoke and falling debris they see the South Tower is gone. It was raw and emotional. During September 11, 2001 attack, many people lost loved ones. Augusta Scattergood Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. The author is referring to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 2001 by terrorists. 336 pages; grades 5-8. The rumor had been started by the Taliban itself who then ambush the government troops. One devastating day. There, Brandon struggles to understand the news reports about the terrorists who had attacked the Towers. The message passed by the author resonates well with young readers. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. Brandon knows his father is dead. 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. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Turns out, cell service wasn't working very well that day as everyone was trying to get ahold of loved ones. It is 2001, a beautiful September Tuesday in Manhattan. RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1989. Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2021. 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 People should not tolerate the eruption of any war in their countries. Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and Scholastic for a complimentary copy. Without warning, Afghan and American troops swarm the village going door to door looking for a Taliban weapons cache. This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. Brandon seems haunted by what happened in the school leading to his suspension. 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. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. A must-have. 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. Way to go! Not affiliated with Harvard College. Because she has been allowed to learn English as a result of the American presence in her country, they are actually able to speak and understand each other whenever massive cultural differences do not obstruct things. Fire. Scholastic Press, 2021. Parallel storylines take readers through the lives of two young people on Sept. 11 in 2001 and 2019. Her twin brother, Pasoon, never forgave the American infidels and vows to join the Taliban insurgency. When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. at the World Trade Center in New York City. This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. He chose to do a book report project on this book. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great Kenard Pak. by Alan Gratz Ground Zero Summary These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. Many people lose their lives without knowing the motive behind the attacks. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2023. And that perfectly logical coincidental series of events is how any number of conspiracy theories are born. The alternating event occurs in the countryside region of Afghanistan in 2019. The words hit Taz hard and realize that people should not be against each other. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. In 2001, Brandon Chavez is spending the day with his father, who works at the World Trade Centers Windows on the World restaurant. 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. Categories: Reshmina tells him no money can restore their life. He did an exceptional job at showing us that it isn't "us against them". USA Today Bestseller List, 2022 Hampshire (UK) Book Award Winner The two young characters are directly affected by the war they know nothing about. However, Gratz does not sugar coat the events of that day or its lasting effects for young readers. The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. School Library Journal. When the villagers finally emerge, the village is rubble. 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. 2021 Amazon.com Best of the Month February The entire book was oh I'm going to live!, oh wait no I'm not!, oh I'm going to live! 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. The story is told in alternation chapters. I used small sticky notes to separate the two stories. Taz is the nickname of an America soldier who develops a close bond with Reshmina. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022. . GradeSaver, 23 February 2022 Web. Really bad idea, especially when Brandon is separated from him, eventually finding a friend in Richard. More books than SparkNotes. He tells her that he joined the army to help avenge the attack, but that now that mission had lost its purpose. 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. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . Alan Gratzs books always hit where it hurts, in the best possible way, but Ground Zero might just be the one to have the most impact for me. Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz. 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. Categories: We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. Brandon, unsure what has happened, decides to take the stairs up, to return to his father. 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. Innocent victims are caught up in wars that are beyond their comprehension. An editor Retrieve credentials.