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No matter how young we were when 9/11 happened, most of us remember the terrorist attack profoundly: where we were when we heard the news, the sound of the sirens — whether on TV or out our own windows, the sense of shock and disbelief that enveloped our country. So how do we explain the magnitude of such an event to our kids, to whom 9/11 is just another distant history lesson that happened before they were born? We read them a story about it, of course … or find them one to tackle on their own.
“Books can be a good and nonthreatening platform in which to discuss difficult subjects,” clinical psychologist Wayne Fleisig told The Washington Post. “There are pictures to distract them if things get overwhelming and they do not have to approach the subject head on, but instead can take in a small amount at a time.”
We’ve rounded up 11 of the best books for kids about 9/11, presented in order of age from the youngest readers to older kids. These books can help spark meaningful conversations, answer questions, and present information about the horrific events of September 11, 2001 in a way that’s specifically tailored for kids to process.
There’s a whole new generation of kids born well after 9/11 that need to hear these stories and grasp how those few moments in time still impact lives to this day. They may never feel the deep emotions about the day that older generations feel, but an understanding of what happened — and why it’s important — is a start.
A version of this story was published in Sept. 2022.
‘Heroes: September 11, 2001’ by Susan Hefley
A meaningful book for even the youngest readers, Susan Hefley’s dignified and hope-filled tribute to the heroes of 9/11 is written in simple, easy-to-understand sentences and features colorful illustrations that kids will love.
‘This Very Tree’ by Sean Rubin
This uplifting (true!) tale is about a Callery pear tree planted between the Twin Towers in the 1970s. On September 11th, 2001, the tree’s home was decimated and it was buried underneath the rubble – but, surprisingly, it survived and became a national symbol of resilience and hope. It was moved to the Bronx to recover, and became known as the “Survivor Tree”; this story is told from its perspective.
‘Fireboat’ by Maira Kalman
This is the inspiring true story of a New York City fireboat named the John J. Harvey. Brought out of retirement by a group of friends who wanted to save it from a scrap heap, it was called to fulfill a heroic mission one fateful September 11th that no one could have ever anticipated.
‘30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag’ by Amanda Davis
Written by educator Amanda Davis, this is the story of the flag that flew over Ground Zero. It traveled across the country, restored using pieces of retired flags from each state (including the flag which inspired the National Anthem and the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on), lovingly stitched by military veterans, first responders, and family members of 9/11 victims, among others. It then came to rest in New York City, at the National September 11 Museum.
‘National Geographic Readers: September 11’ by Libby Romero
Perfect for readers ages 7-9, this book from National Geographic tells the story of 9/11 through sensitive and age-appropriate photos and text. Honest without being explicit, it answers questions that kids may have in a factual yet engaging way.
‘What Were the Twin Towers?’ by Jim O’Connor
This book is not just about the tragedy of the Twin Towers, but about their history: why they were built, why they were billed as an “architectural wonder,” why they were targeted. Packed with facts, it’s very informational but also interesting for kids. It can be read aloud to younger readers or read alone by readers 8-10.
‘Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story’ by Nora Raleigh Baskin
In this “Amazon teacher’s pick” novel for middle graders, we hear the September 11th story of four different kids in different parts of the country. They’ve never met, but their stories are seamlessly interwoven, united in an unexpected way by the tragedy of 9/11.
‘America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell’ by Don Brown
Don Brown’s “Actual Times” series narrates difficult events in a way that is both straightforward and sensitive. As the fourth volume in the series, this book moves chronologically through the events of that morning in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.
‘I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001’ by Lauren Tarshis
Part of the riveting “I Survived” series for grades 3-7, this book is narrated through the eyes of Lucas, who skips the bus to school one bright morning in September 2001 and takes the train into the city instead. What he witnesses there will change him — and the world — forever.
‘Towers Falling’ by Jewell Parker Rhodes
From award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a story set 15 years after the tragedy of 9/11, told from the perspective of Dèja — a fifth grader who wasn’t alive to witness that fateful day, but comes to realize how much it impacts the everyday lives of herself and her friends.
‘In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers’ by Dan Brown
This award-winning graphic novel for ages 12+ chronicles not only the immediate aftermath of 9/11, but the ripple effect it has had since 2001. It’s a powerful story that helps teens grasp what happened that day, as well as how it continues to impact them.
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