Remembering September 11th With Your Kids

In a few short days our country will be honoring the tenth anniversary of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. Many children today were either too young to remember that day (or not even born yet).  However, if you feel your child is ready to learn about the events that transpired on September 11, there are several informative, age-appropriate resources that you may want to consider.

The Day the Towers Fell: The Story of September 11, 2001 by Maureen Crethan Santora (ages 4-8)

The Day the Towers Fell is a powerful book that tells children the story of 9/11. Written with love by a teacher who spent 27 years in the NYC schools as an early childhood educator, Maureen Santora’s book provides a valuable tool for parents and educators to help children understand the importance of kindness and the effects of hatred. 

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We the People: September 11 by Mary Englar (ages 8 and up)

On a bright sunny morning on September 11, 2001, hijackers took control of four U.S. commercial airplanes. The terrorists crashed two planes into two World Trade Center Towers in New York City. Forty minutes later, hijackers crashed another plane into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Passengers on a fourth hijacked plane resisted, and the plane crashed in an empty Pennsylvania field. The tragic events of September 11 killed nearly 3,000 people, scarred Americans, and changed the world forever.

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Messages to Ground Zero:  Children Respond to September 11, 2011 by Shelley Harwayne and New York City Board of Education (ages 8 and up)

This is a collection of letters, poetry, and art by children in response to September 11th. All were sent to other children reflecting innocent support, outreach, and caring. This book is an archive of what children were thinking and feeling through their honest and heartfelt messages.

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America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown (ages 9-12)

On the ten year anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, a straightforward and sensitive book for a generation of readers too young to remember that terrible day.

The events of September 11, 2001 changed the world forever. In the fourth installment of the Actual Times series, Don Brown narrates the events of the day in a way that is both accessible and understandable for young readers. Straightforward and honest, this account moves chronologically through the morning, from the plane hijackings to the crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania; from the rescue operations at the WTC site to the collapse of the buildings. Vivid watercolor illustrations capture the emotion and pathos of the tragedy making this an important book about an unforgettable day in American history.

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The Crash of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001(Terrorist Attacks) by Tonya Buell  (ages 9-12)

An account of the events surrounding the hijacking and crash of United Flight 93 as part of the terrorist plot carried out on September 11, 2001.

 

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The Little Chapel that Stood by A.B. Curtiss (ages 9-12)

Beautifully illustrated book tells of the historic chapel less than 100 yards from the Twin Towers that miraculously survived on 9-11. Firemen hung their shoes on the fence and raced to help the people in the towers: Oh what gallant men did we lose/Who never came back to get their shoes. The story of terror overcome by courage and bravery that teaches us no one is too small to make a difference.

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Posted by Colleen Crispino, Children’s Librarian Assistant 9/9/11

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