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Ground Zero

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The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.

Acclaimed 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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Gratz (Refugee) writes a searing indictment of America's 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 City's 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. Brandon's and Reshmina's lives intertwine in a fateful encounter that challenges America's 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 Reshmina's 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 humanity's 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 humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. A must-have." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "The pace is quick (don't blink or you'll miss something!), its emotions deeply authentic, and the highly visual settings resonate with accuracy. With a moving author's note, pertinent back matter, and a surprise twist which brings the book full circle, Gratz delivers another winning read." -- Booklist, starred review

"Gratz's 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-Day Invasion from multiple complex and diverse characters . . . meticulously researched [and] honest." -- School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for Grenade:

* "Told by both young men, the story is gripping from start to finish as each encounters ambushes, engages in battles and experiences their devastating aftermath, and mourns the plight of innocent civilians caught in the middle. Impossible to put down, the story unapologetically demonstrates how war affects people emotionally and physically. . . . Action fans will have this flying off the shelves." -- Booklist, starred review

"The plot is suspenseful and the characters sympathetic." -- Horn Book

"Intense and fast-paced, this is a compelling, dark, yet ultimately heartening wartime story." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Gratz (Refugee) depicts the events and fallout of WWII's 'Love Day' while exploring the emotional and cultural damages of war." -- Publishers Weekly

"Chilling." -- School Library Journal

"The book illustrates the horrors of war and the narrators' dual realization that the enemy is a person, too. This is a sad and compelling story that sheds some light on a battle that is rarely mentioned in books written for juvenile readers. . . . Highly Recommended." -- School Library Connection

Praise for Refugee:

An Amazon Best Book of the Year

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

A Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection

"Unflinching and sympathetic." -- The New York Times

"Grade A: A stunning, poignant novel." -- Entertainment Weekly

"Harrowing, timely." -- People Magazine

"A gripping, visceral, and hold-your-breath intense story." -- John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars

* "Gratz accomplishes a feat that is nothing short of brilliant, offering a skillfully wrought narrative laced with global and intergenerational reverberations that signal hope for the future... Poignant, respectful, and historically accurate while pulsating with emotional turmoil, adventure, and suspense." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "[A] hard-hitting novel... Filled with both tragic loss and ample evidence of resilience, these memorable and tightly plotted stories contextualize and give voice to current refugee crises, underscoring that these journeys are born out of a desperate need for security and safety." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Gratz, who is known for well-written and well-researched historical fiction, doesn't disappoint. His latest is timely and moving... This compelling novel will help young people make sense of today's refugee crisis. Meant to be read, discussed, and shared widely." -- School Library Journal

"Some novels are engaging and some novels are important. Refugee is both." -- #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys

"This heart-stopping novel is not only compelling -- it is necessary." -- Judy Blundell, National Book Award-winning author of What I Saw and How I Lied

"An incredibly important, heartrending, edge-of-the-seat read, bringing light to the plight of immigrants who search for safety and freedom." -- Pam Munoz Ryan, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book Echo

"With urgent, clear-eyed storytelling, Gratz's Refugee compellingly explores the desperation and strength that unites those struggling for a place to call home." -- Eliot Schrefer, New York Times bestselling author and two-time National Book Award finalist of Rescued and Endangered

"Full of struggle, heroism, and non-stop adventure, Refugee is not only an important book, it's a terrific story." -- Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book The War That Saved My Life

"Powerful and compelling. Refugee is a story about what unites us all." -- Christina Diaz Gonzalez, award-winning author of Moving Target

Praise for Projekt 1065:

* "While the book is replete with fascinating historical insight, Gratz has also crafted a suspenseful mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With short, action-packed chapters, it is a great choice for reluctant readers as well... A winning combination of action, suspense, and historical setting." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "A rare insider's glimpse into the Hitler Youth: animated, well-researched, and thought-provoking." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"[A] high-action spy thriller." -- Booklist

Praise for Code of Honor:

"Readers will be swept up by both the intrigue and the rapid pacing... Kamran is a smart and sympathetic narrator, and readers will be happy to spend time with him in this action-packed thriller." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Exciting, at times ripped from the headlines, and scary, this cinematic work has layers of intrigue and danger in each scene... will appeal to a variety of readers and will raise questions about patriotism, loyalty, and trust... A winner." -- School Library Journal

"Vivid characters and timely topics, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, contribute to making Code of Honor a first-rate novel." -- Voice of Youth Advocates

Praise for Prisoner B-3087:

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Golden Sower Award, 2014-2015 Winner Nebraska

Isinglass Teen Read Award, 2014-2015 Winner New Hampshire

Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2014-2015 Winner

Junior Book Award, 2015-2016 Winner South Carolina

Grand Canyon Reader Award, 2015-2016 Winner Arizona

Truman Readers Award, 2015-2016 Winner Missouri

Reader's Choice Awards, Winner 2015-2016 Virginia

Volunteer State Book Award Winner, 2015-2016 Tennessee

"A powerful story, well told." -- School Library Journal

"A bone-chilling tale not to be ignored." -- Kirkus Reviews

"[A] remarkable survival story." -- Booklist

"Gratz ably conveys... fatalism, yearning, and determination in the face of the unimaginable." -- Publishers Weekly

"Heartbreaking, gripping, raw, and emotional... storytelling at its finest." -- Voice of Youth Advocates

Review:

4.8 out of 5

96.92% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars As a 5th Grade teacher, I could not recommend this book enough times!

B.S. · May 29, 2024

As a fifth grade teacher, I love this book! It has become a fan favorite of several fifth graders I have taught over the years as well. Alan Gratz is an amazing writer! I love following the story of Brandon and Reshmina with the use of his incredible details, descriptive action points, and an ending that will bring everything together with a WOW! If you have a child in the 9-12 age range, this book is an incredible buy!

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!

A.C. · August 5, 2024

This book was so fun to read. I loved everything about it. It was such a good book. It brought me joy and sadness, but in the end, it was a new experience to say the least.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read 9/11 story

S.K.S. · June 23, 2021

I loved this book. It was raw and emotional. Brandon finds himself going to work with his dad in the Twin Towers because he has been suspended from school. Trying to fix the damage done due to standing up to a bully, Brandon sneaks away from his father, who is a chef at Windows on the World. It is during this time the first plane is flown into the twin towers. Reading the raw account of events from that day brought back so many memories and emotions. The story is told in alternation chapters. 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. Reshmina saves the life of an American Soldier and puts her whole village in danger. The only issue I had with this book was the set up. I didn't learn until the book was almost finished what the connection was between the two main characters. It went beyond 9/11. For this book alone I did something I've never done before. I used small sticky notes to separate the two stories. I read all of Brandon's story, then went back and read all of Reshmina's story. That was how I learned that Brandon's story takes place the year 9/11 happened and Reshmina's story takes place on 9/11 only 20 years later.I loved the message in this story about bullies. It gave me a lot to think about and hopefully the students who read this story from my bookshelves will understand the underlying message as well. I have read several of this author's books and loved each and every one. It is hard to read them when in school as I choose to let my students read them first. This is a must read especially as we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

5.0 out of 5 stars Juvenile book

B.g. · July 11, 2024

This book was perfect for my 10 year old. She finished it in a few days. It was definitely a page turner.

4.0 out of 5 stars Ground Zero

N.F. · April 16, 2024

We have a generation of kids who weren’t alive on 9-11. This books introduces the young reader to that day with just the right amount of detail.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book

m. · July 7, 2024

The book arrived promptly in great condition. Very pleased with it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesante para leer

A. · September 3, 2024

The media could not be loaded. Se lo encargaron a mi hija en la escuela, pero sirve interesante para leer a quien le guste la lectura

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Insight into 9/11

A.F. · January 4, 2024

This book offers a unique perspective into the events of 9/11 through the eyes of child in New York City and a child in Afghanistan. It was a good introduction to this heavy topic and opened the floor to discussions with my fifth grader. My child appreciated all the historical context they learned through a very engaging story. We will be purchasing the rest of Alan Gratz titles.

Best book of my life

L. · December 19, 2023

The story is very good, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish.I think it would make a great film!

loved the book

a. · July 1, 2024

My favourite part was how at the end of every chapter there was a gripping cliffhanger and I also loved by how the chapters intertwined with each other

Schneller Versand

E. · August 8, 2022

Aber Ecken des Buches leider schon geknickt. Schade, da es verschenkt werden soll.

Great read

K.M. · July 19, 2021

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. I have looked it up and no the story line in the book is not true, however the main event in it is obviously true.

Wow

L. · September 23, 2021

Absolutely stunningly reading

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Ground Zero

4.8

BHD10834

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Product origin: United States

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