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. Lois Lowry at the World Trade Center in New York City. A must-have. 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 a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - Jonathan Stroh, by RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1989. 2021-2022 Lectio Book Award Master List. 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. His only chore was to take the goats up into the mountains to graze for a few hours. Glory cant believe it the Hanging Moss Community Pool is closing right before her July Fourth birthday. Unknown to many of them, the building is under attack. Ground Zero is amazing! Booklist, 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. Richard and Brandon begin the descent. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great Without warning, Afghan and American troops swarm the village going door to door looking for a Taliban weapons cache. There are rulesYou punch somebody, you get suspended, no matter why you did it (5). However, Gratz does not sugar coat the events of that day or its lasting effects for young readers. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Innocent victims are caught up in wars that are beyond their comprehension. Kenard Pak. Trouble signing in? With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relentsA contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanitys survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. In the case of any war, there is no winner. ; September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. A must-have. Then Brandon feels the ground shudder overhead and then everything goes dark. Augusta Scattergood. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Ground Zero Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to It was raw and emotional. Categories: . This story, however, is merely about connections and coincidence, not connections and conspiracies. ; This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. People should not tolerate the eruption of any war in their countries. The novel explores the consequences of war on innocent civilians who have no comprehension of the happenings leading up to the confrontation. This is my first Gratz book. The authors note tied everything up well - the history and his connection to this horrific day. With Brandons help, the people get off just before it drops down the shaft. Alan Gratz is the bestselling author of a number of novels for young readers. Brandon is nine-years-old on September 11, 2001 and is planning to spend the day with his father who works at the restaurant which occupies the top floors of the North Tower. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2021). The author of the Anastasia books as well as more serious fiction (Rabble Starkey, 1987) offers her first historical fictiona story about the escape of the Jews from Denmark in 1943. thissection. What do we tell them? Flood. 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. GradeSaver, 23 February 2022 Web. When she ends up harboring a wounded young American soldier, she and her entire family are put in mortal danger. It is during this time the first plane is flown into the twin towers. Affiliate link to purchase this book: https://amzn.to/3r482sN Check out my list of AWESOME 2021 books:. Brandon should be in school, but he has been suspended for punching a bully who took another kids toy Wolverine gloves. Luckily, my grandmother and great-aunt were fine and had left NYC the night before and were on the road back. When his father isnt looking, Brandon sneaks out to buy a toy in the mall. That was how I learned that Brandon's story takes place the year 9/11 happened and Reshmina's story takes place on 9/11 only 20 years later. An editor Reshmina saves the life of an American Soldier and puts her whole village in danger. Reshmina is an 11-year old girl living in present-day Afghanistan, with dreams of her own. Retrieve credentials. I have looked it up and no the story line in the book is not true, however the main event in it is obviously true. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Ice. Both events occur due to war conflict between America and middle east countries. 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. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. In time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Ground Zero delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fearand the stunning links between the past and present. The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. September 11, 2020, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. Brandon, a 9-year-old boy, goes to work for the day with his dad . School Library Journal. will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. The two young characters are directly affected by the war they know nothing about. One devastating day. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. Correspondingly, several American soldiers revenging against the terror attacks in Afghan villages also lose their lives. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. In the contemporary timeline, Reshmina is an Afghan girl living in foothills near the Pakistan border that are a battleground between the Taliban and U.S. armed forces. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear - and the stunning links between the past and present. With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. 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?) by Alan Gratz Ground Zero Summary These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. 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. When governments engage in endless wars, citizens tend to bear the brunt of war consequences. read more. This is historically accurate, an amazing story with one of the greatest crossovers Ive ever read. I did not think the two stories blended, despite the clever bridge by author Gratz. When the two finally make their up and out, through the smoke and falling debris they see the South Tower is gone. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. Finally, she decides to help the soldier from being killed by the Taliban. Her family and village become targets when they decide to extend sanctuary according to Muslim tradition when he enters their home. 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. The following edition was used for this study guide: Gratz, Alan. 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. Brandons mother died recently after a long battle with cancer. 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. 2022-2023 Ohio Buckeye Book Award Nominee The story focuses on the question should we be there in the first place? We have friends and relatives who were directly affected by 9/11. In the elevator, Brandon feels a shudder before the car lurches precipitously. x100 Only with a million times the drama. When Taz is found wounded by Reshmina, he recalls the events that occurred eighteen years ago and understands the importance of working together. The Hemphills African-American maid, Emma, a mother figure to Glory and her sister Jesslyn, tells her, Dont be worrying about what you cant fix, Glory honey. But Glory does, becoming an activist herself when she writes an indignant letter to the newspaper likening hateful prejudice to dog doo that makes her preacher papa proud. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. 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,. 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. The World Trade Center is hit by a jet while Brandon is in the elevator, and he must find his way down 89 floors to escapeafter trying to go back up to rescue his father. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. by Alan Gratz Hardcover . I would have preferred to have read Brandon's novella first and then Reshmina's with the author bringing them together at the end. He and Richard make their way to the exit, using the Warner Brothers Store to guide them out. While heading to the workplace, Leo advises his son against engaging in fistfights. The two storylines develop in parallel through alternating chapters. Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Not affiliated with Harvard College. The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. You can check out my vlog here: It is interesting as a teacher, to sit down with groups of elementary aged students and attempt to teach them about this day in our country's history. Truthfully, I'd give this one 3.5 stars -- yet another great read from Gratz, who the author's note reveals was a junior high school teacher before he was a successful writer. 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 . Brandon, unsure what has happened, decides to take the stairs up, to return to his father. A tough read, due to the rawness of the subject matter. It is a crisp September Tuesday in 2001. But, I should've known better and trusted Gratz. A Tear jerking story of survival that I won't forget anytime soon. Brandon has been dismissed from the school following the physical altercation between him and another boy. Required fields are marked *. 2022 Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Titles,Junior Level In the caves, there is an angry confrontation about the prolonged American occupation between Taz and the villagers. Ground Zero is a perfect combination of two different genreshistorical fiction and realistic fictionthat will teach you more about 9/11 and how much the Taliban has affected Reshmina and her village. After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. Richard tells Brandon he can home with him. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Code of Honor Alan Gratz No preview available - 2018. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - I needed to explain the context. Brandon Chavez is suspended from school for punching a bully who stole expensive Wolverine gloves from another student. The story shows how retribution causes more troubles rather than solutions. Written by Elizabeth Oscar On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2023. Scholastic Press, 2021. What a read! In 2001, Brandon Chavez is spending the day with his father, who works at the World Trade Centers Windows on the World restaurant. Categories: Their lives are threatened, when Reshmina rescues an American soldier seriously injured in a surprise attack. Alan Gratz has done it again. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great Reshmina dreams of being more than the dutiful wife and mother that her Muslim culture demands her to be. Similarly, in 2019, the revenge against Afghan people results in more deaths. Falters in its oversimplified portrayal of a complicated region and people. Publishing in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this tautly paced novel by Gratz ( Resist) explores the events . Oscar, Elizabeth. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. Reshmina returns to her village. 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. The story is told in alternation chapters. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and Scholastic for a complimentary copy. Nine year old Brandon goes to work with his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. It is 2001, a beautiful September Tuesday in Manhattan. The Ground Zero Novel Study is a comprehensive novel study for teaching Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. Readers are certain to be inspired by the courage and determination shown by Brandon and Reshmina in Ground Zero. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz February 27, 2022. . 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. I used small sticky notes to separate the two stories. Hell breaks loose when the complex building is attacked by terrorists leading to many deaths of innocent people including Brandons father. Alan Gratz did it again. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. by Her twin brother, Pasoon, never forgave the American infidels and vows to join the Taliban insurgency. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz 9781338245752 (Hardback, 2021). 2021 Chicago Public Librarys Best of the Best ListBest Fiction for Older Readers 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. Not affiliated with Harvard College. Mr. Gatzs books can fill a much needed gap in literature for young people, and can help them develop a love for reading. 336 pages; grades 5-8. An editor 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. Scholastic Press, 2021. I read all of Brandon's story, then went back and read all of Reshmina's story. The young boy is left only with his father. In Stock. 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. Two kids. Brandon and Reshmina cannot discern the purpose served by the attacks. On the subway, Brandons father lectures his son. He tells her that he joined the army to help avenge the attack, but that now that mission had lost its purpose. She leads the helpless soldier back to her home. War has a negative impact on the lives of people. Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023. 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. 2022 Texas Library Association Lone Star Reading List 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. 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. "Ground Zero Background". The author of the book, Alan Gratz, deliberately uses children to demonstrate how revenge culminates in the suffering of innocent victims. 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. 2022-2023 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award Nominee The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. How much detail do we share? You can help us out by revising, improving and updating Lois Lowry If I were still teaching 6th or 7th grade reading, this author would be one I could recommend to certain students. $15.99. Suspended from school for standing up to a bully, he goes to work with his father on 9/11. Get news and updates about the stuff Alan writes! 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. Our 12 year old is not a huge reader, but he is devouring this book. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. An editor Wow! Should she help himand put herself and her family in mortal danger? All Rights Reserved. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war. He runs off into the hills. Print Word PDF Take our free Ground Zero quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. Before they hang up, his father tells Brandon to do something worth living for. 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. You're awesome. It didn't seem that long ago when I walked home after school to find my mom in a frenzy - her mother and aunt had left for New York the week before on a bus tour and shopping trip around New York City. 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. 2021 Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2023 Wisconsin Golden Archer Middle Grade Book Award Nominee will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. Eleven year old Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. Though occasionally heavy-handed, this debut offers a vivid glimpse of the 1960s South through the eyes of a spirited girl by We did and saw the mess that happen after but it does make you wonder if it was all worth it. I live in the mountains of western North Carolina with my family, where I enjoy reading, playing games, and eating pizza. Fin The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz. Because no one will let us get past the Stone Age." Military Hardware Brandon knows his father is dead. The story of Reshmina is a hard one especially since we pulled out of Afghanistan recently. Pros: Alan Gratz has produced another historical fiction novel filled with compelling characters and heart-pounding action. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022. Then you follow Reshmina who lives in Afghanistan. The only issue I had with this book was the set up. The words hit Taz hard and realize that people should not be against each other. Please choose a different delivery location. More books than SparkNotes. Gratz examines each event carefully to pass the message and encourage people to work together for common good. Alan Gratz This book made me tear up even though I knew the ending as I cracked the spine. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. RELEASE DATE: Feb. 2, 2021. Please try again. With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. His father tells him he must get out of the building. Thank you! Brandon impulsively grabs a stuffed animal of the Tasmanian Devil from the debris as a good luck token. 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. Reshmina is barely in her teens but sympathizes with a wounded American soldier who appears deeply hurt. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. He offers Reshmina help getting her into a program that would train her to be a UN interpreter. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. This MG book will be a hit with my students & generate a bunch of conversations between them & their parents. There, Brandon struggles to understand the news reports about the terrorists who had attacked the Towers. You have successfully joined Alan's newsletter list! Way to go! . The two protagonists stories intersect at the end of the book, and each one gains a new perspective from meeting the other. 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. It was boring and slow. September 11, 2019. The book concludes with the Jews' return, after the war, to homes well kept for them by their neighbors. Should we leave? Oscar, Elizabeth. When her brother finds out, he is livid and heads up to the mountains to tell the Taliban who hide out in caves. Categories: Can he survive - and escape? Brandon accompanies his father to the World Trade Center on that fateful day. A deftly told story that dramatizes how Danes appointed themselves bodyguardsnot only for their king, who was in the habit by *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. I really liked the book and the broken under ground mall part was great and the building falling over I do recommend it. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION, by A few moments later, Brandon and his father arrive at the working place. He did an exceptional job at showing us that it isn't "us against them". 2022-2023 Virginia Readers Choice Award Nominee It seems written for kids, but my child is not quite ready for a book with this content. Talking to his father, Brandon is stunned to see a plane fly deliberately into the South Tower. In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (. )