September 11th has always been a tricky topic for me to teach. How do you teach one of the most traumatic events in history, when you also lived through it?
For me, the answer is always with a book.
Books have a way of gently teaching history and allowing us to empathize. In this post I've rounded up some of the best 9/11 books for kids. Check out the picture books and novels below!
The Best 9/11 Picture Books for Kids:
1. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by: Mordicai Gerstein
This account of Philippe Petit's 1974 tightrope walk between the Twin Towers showcases his bravery and skill.
2. Fireboat by: Maira Kaiman
Fireboat is the inspiring story of the John J. Harvey, a retired fireboat that was resurrected during the 9/11 attacks.
3. Saved by the Boats by: Julie Gassman
Saved by the Boats tells the true story of a group of people who used boats to evacuate over 500,000 individuals during the 9/11 attacks.
4. The Man in the Red Bandanna by: Honor Crowther
This is a beautiful tribute to Welles Crowther, a young man who wore a red bandanna and heroically guided people to safety during the 9/11 attacks.
5. Smoke at the Pentagon: Poems to Remember by: Jacqueline Jules
Smoke at the Pentagon is a moving collection of poems that reflect on the September 11 attacks and their impact.
6. 14 Cows for America by: Carmen Agra Deedy
The story of the Maasai people of Kenya and their heartfelt gift —a herd of cows—in the wake of 9/11.
7. This Very Tree by: Sean Rubin
This Very Tree tells the story of a tree that survived the 9/11 attacks, symbolizing hope and resilience.
8. 30,000 Stiches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag by: Amanda Davis
Amanda Davis narrates the journey of the National 9/11 Flag, which was repaired and restored through a nationwide effort.
9. Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree by: Ann Magee
This is the story of a resilient tree that survived 9/11 and was later restored to serve as a symbol of hope.
Don Brown provides a straightforward and impactful account of the events of 9/11, using clear illustrations and text.
11. Sirius: The Hero Dog of 9/11 by: Hank Fellows
The true story of Sirius, a courageous search-and-rescue dog who worked tirelessly during the aftermath of 9/11.
12. September 12th: We Knew Everything Would Be Alright by: Masterson Elementary Students
A heartfelt collection of reflections and artwork from students who were in elementary school on 9/11, capturing their hopes and optimism.
13. National Geographic Readers: September 11
This non-fiction text is a child-friendly overview of the attacks, featuring photographs and simple text.
14. September 11 Then and Now (True Books)
Then and Now explores the September 11 attacks and their aftermath, using informative text and photos.
The Best 9/11 Chapter Books for Kids:
A personal narrative from the perspective of a young boy who witnesses the 9/11 attacks.
16. What Were the Twin Towers? by: Jim O'Connor
An informative account of the Twin Towers, exploring their history, significance, and the events of September 11.
17. The Sun Shone Anyway: A Verse Novel of September 11th by: Rose Ashby
A poignant verse novel that explores the experiences of children and families affected by the September 11 attacks.
The gripping story of a young boy who experiences the chaos of the 9/11 attacks firsthand.
19. Ground Zero by: Alan Gratz
Alan Gratz tells the interconnected stories of two young protagonists—one in 2001 and another in 2011—highlighting their experiences and the long-lasting effects of the attacks.
20. Towers Falling by: Jewell Parker Rhodes
This novel explores the impact of 9/11 on a fifth-grade student and her classmates as they learn about the attacks.
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