Book : Ground Zero - Gratz, Alan

-Titulo Original : Ground Zero

-Fabricante :

Scholastic Press

-Descripcion Original:

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. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive -- and escape? September 11, 2019, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz -- and put herself and her family in mortal danger? Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same. From School Library Journal Gr 4-7-Gratz (Refugee) writes a searing indictment of Americas involvement in Afghanistan, told through two gripping parallel narratives. On September 11, 2001, nine-year-old Brandon accompanies his father to his job at New York Citys World Trade Center. The two are separated during the ensuing terrorist attack, and, with help from others, Brandon survives. Eighteen years later, 11-year-old Reshmina, living in a remote Afghan village, sees her country and family devastated by the Taliban and the U.S. military, despite both armies claims of protection. Brandons and Reshminas lives intertwine in a fateful encounter that challenges Americas policies as well as its presence in Afghanistan, and puts a human face on the resulting suffering. Vivid details immerse readers in the two disparate settings. The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relents: Brandon and Reshminas lives are in danger at every turn. In a superbly structured plot, the two protagonists experience similar perils, and both respond with determination and hope. Gratz provides readers with a brief history of Afghanistan and its occupation by foreign powers. Speaking through Reshmina, he concludes the United States had surely destroyed Afghanistan. The book includes extensive back matter, making it an excellent choice for classroom discussion. VERDICT A contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanitys survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. A must-have.-Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem P.L., Holbrook, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review Praise for Ground Zero: * The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relents... In a superbly structured plot, the two protagonists experience similar perils, and both respond with determination and hope... A contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanitys survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. A must-have. -- School Library Journal, starred review * The pace is quick (dont blink or youll miss something!), its emotions deeply authentic, and the highly visual settings resonate with accuracy. With a moving authors note, pertinent back matter, and a surprise twist which brings the book full circle, Gratz delivers another winning read. -- Booklist, starred review Gratzs deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for Allies: * A tour de force of war fiction. -- Booklist, starred review * Both an excellent, inclusive narration of important historical events and a fast-paced, entertaining read. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review * A tautly paced and multifaceted portrait. . . . This gripping novel offers memorable insights into the contributions and alliances of everyday people. -- Publishers Weekly, starred review * A vivid and detailed snapshot of the D-D