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. |
Activity 1:
I think I love ALL of Alan Gratz's books (you could tell, right??) Do you think this would be a good book to read as a class? Convince your teacher this book absolutely should (or should not) be taught next year. Give specific reasons. Your writing needs to be at least a half page long, but you can also choose to create a poster that would also convince your teacher.
Activity 2:
If you could interview Alan Gratz, what five questions would you ask? Go one step farther, and send him your questions. You can either send them snail mail, or email. Here is the link to his contact information: Alan Gratz. Make sure you check your spelling and grammar before you send the questions.
Activity 3:
How surprised were you to find that the soldier Reshmina was hiding was Brandon? If you would have been him would you have gone to fight as well? Would you have helped Brandon knowing that it was his country fighting yours? Lots of things to think about. Use this Venn Diagram, place Reshimina on one side and Brandon on the other.
I think I love ALL of Alan Gratz's books (you could tell, right??) Do you think this would be a good book to read as a class? Convince your teacher this book absolutely should (or should not) be taught next year. Give specific reasons. Your writing needs to be at least a half page long, but you can also choose to create a poster that would also convince your teacher.
Activity 2:
If you could interview Alan Gratz, what five questions would you ask? Go one step farther, and send him your questions. You can either send them snail mail, or email. Here is the link to his contact information: Alan Gratz. Make sure you check your spelling and grammar before you send the questions.
Activity 3:
How surprised were you to find that the soldier Reshmina was hiding was Brandon? If you would have been him would you have gone to fight as well? Would you have helped Brandon knowing that it was his country fighting yours? Lots of things to think about. Use this Venn Diagram, place Reshimina on one side and Brandon on the other.