There are events in our lives that we will remember for the rest of our lives. September 11th is one of those events that stopped me in my tracks and left a deep impression that I will never forget.
While our young students did not experience those events themselves, it still is important for them to learn of them as part of our country’s history and honor the lives that were lost on that fateful day in 2001.
Here are some of my favorite Children’s books on September 11th.
Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links that I may receive commission if you click through the links and make a purchase.
- National Geographic Kids September 11– This is a Level 3 informational text that allows young readers to understand the basics what took place. It includes a letter to guide parents, chronological order of the attacks, photographs, easy-to-understand explanations, stories of American heroes who rose to help their fellow citizens, the effects of attacks, and how we can continue to honor the lives lost.
- September 11th, 2001: A Simple Account for Children-This is a simple account of September 11th through the perspectives of children. This allows young readers to understand what children at the time experienced and how they understood and coped with the events.
3. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey- This is a sweet story of how an old fireboat found new purpose to help fight fires during the aftermath of September 11th. It also gives a history of the city, skyline, and how John J. Harvey, the fireboat was used when it was initially built. This story shows how so many people and things came together to help save lives and become heroes after the attacks.
4.300,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag- This is such a beautiful and emotional story of the U.S flag that was hung by construction workers and flown after the attacks was restored by a group of citizens in Kansas and sent across the country to be displayed. It is beautifully written with illustrations that help the readers feel so connected to the national flag and what it stands for.
5. This Very Tree– From the perspective of a tree planted in the plaza between the Twin Towers, THIS VERY TREE tells how the tree experienced and witnessed the attacks on the Twin towers. It is gentle and allows young readers an account of what it was like to be at Ground Zero, how the tree found a new home, and how it was replanted back home to honor the lives lost.
6. Miracle of the Little Tree: The 9/11 Survivor Tree’s Incredible Story– In this sweet story of the tree in the plaza, the tree is personified to show children that even in the depths of despair and unimaginable tragedy, we all can show bravery, resilience, and hope.
7. Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree– As another story to share the experiences of the tree in the plaza, this book allows children to see how the events affected the child in the story and how the tree and child continued to grow and blossomed despite all the tragedies.
If you need additional resources, check out the Patriot Day Activity Packet below!
