The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Author & Illustrator:   Mordicai Gerstein
Publisher: Roaring Brook
Publication Year:  2003
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:  Caldecott Medal, Horn Book award, Carnegie Medal

Summary: The story of Philippe Petit's 1974 walk between the World Trade Center's twin towers.  Petit secretly snuck up to the roof and at midnight he put a cable between the towers. It was after dawn when he walked between the hours on a wire (shown on two beautiful three page pull-out spreads, one of them vertical). He was arrested and sentenced to perform for the children of the city in the park. At the end, there is touching page with only the words "Now the towers are gone." 

Classroom Ideas: This book could be used in a study of 911, of course. Petit is also a very interesting character who could be discussed- Was it worth the punishment to take the chance? Is it ever okay to break the law? What about the danger?

America is Under Attack

Author & Illustrator:   Don Brown
Publisher:  Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year:   2011
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:   School Library Journal Best Nonfiction, Horn Book Best Nonfiction, ALA Notable

Summary:  The book tells the story of the 911 attacks on the United States, geared towards younger readers who are too young to remember the day.  Told in a simple straightforward tone, the book includes many quotes from people who were actually present. Even though the book never seeks to dwell on the horrors, it also respects young readers well enough to not pull any punches about what truly happened. The line and watercolor illustrations add the perfect detail.

Classroom Ideas: Every intermediate classroom should have this book available when the anniversary of 911 comes along.

Extras: Author's note that explains what happened after the attacks and the numbers of lives lost; a bibliography; and Source Notes crediting the people interviewed.