The alternating narration explores two events that occur almost two decades apart. Before they hang up, his father tells Brandon to do something worth living for. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz 9781338245752 (Hardback, 2021). I was a bit worried going into this one. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . . Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. 2023 Mississippi Magnolia Award Nominee With over 100+ Common Core aligned materials, students will develop their literacy skills while deeply engaging with the novel through this 6-WEEK unit. With two action-packed perspectives, Gratz powerfully explores the ways in which the past shapes the present. Print Word PDF Take our free Ground Zero quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. 2022-2023 Virginia Readers Choice Award Nominee When two planes hit the towers, Brandon and his father are trapped inside a fiery nightmare as terror and confusion swirl around them. Then Brandon feels the ground shudder overhead and then everything goes dark. at the World Trade Center in New York City. Not only that, she finds out the closures not for the claimed repairs needed, but so Negroes cant swim there. The author is referring to the bombing of the World Trade Center in 2001 by terrorists. Customers who viewed this item also viewed. The author through the characters stresses the importance of working together and avoiding the situations that lead to wars. 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?) We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. I didn't learn until the book was almost finished what the connection was between the two main characters. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Ground Zero. Can Brandon surviveand escape? With Brandons help, the people get off just before it drops down the shaft. It is September, 2019, in a west Afghan mountain town near Asadabad along the Pakistan border. GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. Four kids fighting for their lives. Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. Not affiliated with Harvard College. The message passed by the author resonates well with young readers. Our 12 year old is not a huge reader, but he is devouring this book. We did and saw the mess that happen after but it does make you wonder if it was all worth it. $14.52. There was a problem loading your book clubs. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Reshmina saves the life of an American Soldier and puts her whole village in danger. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. The novel explores the consequences of war on innocent civilians who have no comprehension of the happenings leading up to the confrontation. Richard and Brandon begin the descent. Brandon and Reshmina cannot discern the purpose served by the attacks. The occurrence of the new events scares everyone. 2021-2022 Junior Tome Society It List Can they escape -- and what will the world be like when they do? This is a riveting story told from two points of view that finally converge. 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. Though occasionally heavy-handed, this debut offers a vivid glimpse of the 1960s South through the eyes of a spirited girl by From Richards office, Brandon calls his father who reassures him they are all waiting for helicopters to rescue them. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! The main characters are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. 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. Get it Jan 19 - 24. School Library Journal When his father isnt looking, Brandon sneaks out to buy a toy in the mall. ABA Indie Bestseller List 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. 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. thissection. It is during this time the first plane is flown into the twin towers. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. The only issue I had with this book was the set up. Ice. Readers are certain to be inspired by the courage and determination shown by Brandon and Reshmina in Ground Zero. This is historically accurate, an amazing story with one of the greatest crossovers Ive ever read. The alternating event occurs in the countryside region of Afghanistan in 2019. I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday so the fact we are coming up on the 20th anniversary is mind blowing. Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) On September 11, 2001, Brandon joins his father at his job in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. 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. "Ground Zero Background". We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. Richard tells Brandon he can home with him. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. Brandon Chavez is suspended from school for punching a bully who stole expensive Wolverine gloves from another student. War has a negative impact on the lives of people. Categories: will review the submission and either publish your submission or providefeedback. I have looked it up and no the story line in the My son loved this book, he was done it in 2 days, the only thing I would say is that he was confused if the story line in the book was a real story from a little boy and girl that dealt with this tragic even from that day. 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. Brandon, unsure what has happened, decides to take the stairs up, to return to his father. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great 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. Scholastic Press, 2021. 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 novel explores the consequences of war on innocent civilians who have no comprehension of the happenings leading up to the confrontation. As someone who will never forget the sequence of that day, reading this pulled me back 20 years and definitely stirred up a lot of emotion. A must-have. School Library Journal. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. 2021 Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2023 Wisconsin Golden Archer Middle Grade Book Award Nominee Publishers Weekly Bestseller List Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. The young girl is torn between saving the life of the soldier and informing the Taliban about him. 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. 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, and. My son loved this book, he was done it in 2 days, the only thing I would say is that he was confused if the story line in the book was a real story from a little boy and girl that dealt with this tragic even from that day. 2022-2023 Ohio Buckeye Book Award Nominee I used small sticky notes to separate the two stories. I needed to explain the context. This story, however, is merely about connections and coincidence, not connections and conspiracies. The book concludes with the Jews' return, after the war, to homes well kept for them by their neighbors. Kirkus, This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. 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. Their lives are threatened, when Reshmina rescues an American soldier seriously injured in a surprise attack. I loved this book. 2021 Amazon.com Childrens Top 20 Best Books of the Year So Far A day that I was here to witness, but one that happened before they were born. . His father talks to Richard. Alan Gratz has done it again. I did not think the two stories blended, despite the clever bridge by author Gratz. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Between 1 and 2 stars. The Question and Answer section for Ground Zero is a great 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. On September 11, 2001, Brandon accompanies his father, Leo Chavez, to the World Trade Center. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. Her family and village become targets when they decide to extend sanctuary according to Muslim tradition when he enters their home. . A tough read, due to the rawness of the subject matter. Ground Zero is a realistic fiction work for young readers by Alan Gratz about both September 11 and life in Afghanistan two decades later. Turns out, cell service wasn't working very well that day as everyone was trying to get ahold of loved ones. 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. Correspondingly, several American soldiers revenging against the terror attacks in Afghan villages also lose their lives. This tautly paced novel explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. Brandon impulsively grabs a stuffed animal of the Tasmanian Devil from the debris as a good luck token. thissection. . During this time the building starts tremoring convulsively. I really enjoyed Refugee, but this one was not the author's best work, in my opinion. When governments engage in endless wars, citizens tend to bear the brunt of war consequences. Oscar, Elizabeth. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. The novel was published in early 2021 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. The two storylines develop in parallel through alternating chapters. Many people lose their lives without knowing the motive behind the attacks. Affiliate link to purchase this book: https://amzn.to/3r482sN Check out my list of AWESOME 2021 books:. Reshmina is an 11-year old girl living in present-day Afghanistan, with dreams of her own. Get news and updates about the stuff Alan writes! His father tells him he must get out of the building. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. I loved this book. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - Leo works as a kitchen manager in one of the hotels set in North Tower. This may be just be my new Gratz favorite. Especially toward the middle. Then you follow Reshmina who lives in Afghanistan. Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz February 15, 2021 ~ Janet Dawson Published by Scholastic Summary: Brandon has been suspended from school and is spending the day of September 11, 2001 with his dad, who works at the Windows of the World restaurant in the World Trade Center. Lois Lowry Reshmina returns to her village. Similarly, in 2019, the revenge against Afghan people results in more deaths. In Stock. thissection. It is a crisp September Tuesday in 2001. More books than SparkNotes. 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. Augusta Scattergood Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number). Study Guide: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz (SuperSummary) [SuperSummary] on Amazon.com. 2021 Grateful American Book Prize I really liked the book and the broken under ground mall part was great and the building falling over I do recommend it. 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. 2021 Sandhills Bestseller List In present-day Afghanistan, Reshmina is an 11-year-old girl who is used to growing up in the shadow of war, but she has dreams of peace and unity. Ground Zero study guide contains a biography of Alan Gratz, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and . Its free and takes less than 10 seconds! With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround Zero.. All Rights Reserved. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. The starring characters in the story are Brandon Chavez and Reshmina. She wants to teach. The telling of the two narratives are separate, but intricately intertwined with imagery, political philosophical, and even characters. Brandon has been dismissed from the school following the physical altercation between him and another boy. illustrated by 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. Reshmina declines and returns to her family and the rubble that is her village. Augusta Scattergood. In the caves, there is an angry confrontation about the prolonged American occupation between Taz and the villagers. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz | Official Book Trailer Watch on Praise The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relentsA contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. Lois Lowry GradeSaver, 17 February 2022 Web. 2021 Chicago Public Librarys Best of the Best ListBest Fiction for Older Readers She is in fact teaching herself English. 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. 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. This Study Guide consists of approximately 62pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - This item cannot be shipped to your selected delivery location. by Alan Gratz Hardcover . Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. The story of Reshmina is a hard one especially since we pulled out of Afghanistan recently. But the story is wonderful and recommend it, with permission. You have successfully joined Alan's newsletter list! 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. The story is told in alternation chapters. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. The description of the Afghani mountains is vivid. Gratz examines each event carefully to pass the message and encourage people to work together for common good. 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. 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. I was worried it was going to be an "us against them" approach. 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. There are rulesYou punch somebody, you get suspended, no matter why you did it (5). ; This certainly explains how he can do such a magnificent job of translating the horrors of 9/11 and its aftermath--the war in Afghanistan--and making them accessible for elementary-aged students like my own daughters. 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. I would have preferred to have read Brandon's novella first and then Reshmina's with the author bringing them together at the end. The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. It was really good and had a great climax. People should not tolerate the eruption of any war in their countries. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2021. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022, Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022. The story focuses on the question should we be there in the first place? September 11, 2020, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. He says his name is Taz. "Ground Zero Summary". While heading to the workplace, Leo advises his son against engaging in fistfights. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Kenard Pak. Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2023. Indeed, the conflict results in the destruction of properties and loss of lives from both ends. His only chore was to take the goats up into the mountains to graze for a few hours. The two young characters are directly affected by the war they know nothing about. When her brother finds out, he is livid and heads up to the mountains to tell the Taliban who hide out in caves. Without warning, Afghan and American troops swarm the village going door to door looking for a Taliban weapons cache. 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. Ships from and sold by Zenieth. Taz, reunited with his outfit, moves about the shellshocked villagers offering them money to cover their losses. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. More books than SparkNotes. 2022-2023 Tennessee State Book Award Nominee 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. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating 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. 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. Suspended from school for standing up to a bully, he goes to work with his father on 9/11. A soldier gets hurt and Reshmina gets her family to help him but at what cost. When the villagers finally emerge, the village is rubble. His 2017 novel. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . He did an exceptional job at showing us that it isn't "us against them". 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 2021-2022 Lectio Book Award Master List. This action-packed novel tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home. Ground Zero is amazing! On the subway, Brandons father lectures his son. 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. I love this author their work is great. 336 pages; grades 5-8. This book made me tear up even though I knew the ending as I cracked the spine. 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. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. She decides to help him although her compassion may put her family and her entire village at risk. Code of Honor Alan Gratz No preview available - 2018. 11- year-old Reshmina has never not known war. As fate would have it, his father also dies prematurely after attacks. It was also quite jarring to keep switching perspectives, especially when every chapter ended on a cliff hanger. A must-have. 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. Hes a fantastic writer, Im looking forward to this one. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. This is like the Stone Age. My ten year old loves this book. Author Alan Gratz delivers a haunting and powerful page-turner of a novel, this time focusing on terrorism and the costs of a long-fought war. Please use a different way to share. 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. read more. 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. RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1989. 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. Even as Brandon and Richard begin to run together, the North Tower comes down. A few moments later, Brandon and his father arrive at the working place. 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. The place is calm than usual and Brandon is tasked with placing flower vases on tables. This book was real - I had both tears and chills. Brandon and Richard continue to work their way downward until they get to the underground mall. It was boring and slow. In the confusion, Reshmina watches helplessly as an American missile destroys her familys home. 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. Nine year old Brandon goes to work with his dad on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. As with all Gratz books, students will be submitting holds because no matter how many copies I purchase for my library I wont have enough. She begs him not to tell the Taliban about the American soldier, that they will kill his entire family for harboring the American. But Reshmina also learns something surprising about the roots of this endless war. 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. Ground Zero: A Novel of 9/11 by Alan Gratz. Taking turns, chapter by chapter was annoying. 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist 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. It went beyond 9/11. This MG book will be a hit with my students & generate a bunch of conversations between them & their parents. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. I read all of Brandon's story, then went back and read all of Reshmina's story. I loved how Gratz put into perspective that the event Brandon is enduring killed many lives . An editor Should we leave? Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. illustrated by Desperate, Reshmina follows to head him off. This item: Ground Zero. Reshmina is a witty girl and advises Taz to stop what they are doing because they (American soldiers) cannot help build the nation and at the same time destroy what they are building. The chapters detailing Brandons experiences surviving the attack and collapse of the Twin Towers alternate with those of an equally young Afghanistan girl named Reshmina. 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. Lois Lowry, by The first event occurs on September 11, 2001. With his signature accessibility and insight, Gratz tackles events on both U.S. soil and abroad inGround 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.
