Children's Books About September 11th

This was the first book about September 11th that I purchased for my first child when she was only four years old. It's an excellent introduction to 9/11 because the story only touches on the tragedy in a very gentle way.

This Caldecott winning book is the true story of a man who tied a rope between the two towers and walked across the tightrope in 1974. It's a great book to talk about why the two towers were so iconic.

Ages 4 and up

This is another excellent non-fiction picture book! I'm a big Maira Kalman fan so this one really holds a special place in my heart. It's another good one for young children.

In the 1930's the John J. Harvey Fireboat was the biggest and fastest fireboat around. However, by the 1990's, the boat had seen better days. It was destined for the junk pile when a group of a friends decided to save it in thanks for it's many days of faithful service in the NYC harbor. Little did they know, the John J. Harvey Fireboat would become a hero once again during the tragic fires on September 11, 2001.

Ages 4 and up

This brand new book is absolutely wonderful! Sean Rubin, the author/illustrator grew up in NYC and was a sophomore in high-school when the tragedy occurred. His friends and family were closely involved with the aftermath and clean up in the city. He brings a insightful perspective to 9/11. I highly recommend this book!

The story is about a Callery Pear Tree that was planted in the plaza between the two towers in the 1970's and is still standing today, despite being buried in rubble after 9/11.

Ages 4 and up

I love this story about the Maasai people in a small village in Kenya who find a beautiful way to share their compassion for America in the months after September 11th. Stunning illustrations and a story filled with hope.

Ages 6 and up

This is another beautifully illustrated book about the Callery pear tree that survived the 9/11 attacks. A wonderful story about hope and resilience.

Ages 4 and up

This picture book is great for older kids that want more of the details of what happened. The book walks the reader chronologically through the day and includes what happened at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. It's very detailed, though still sensitive and thoughtful, and you can really learn a lot from this book!

Ages 8 and up

This middle grade book blew me away! I listened to it on audio (which I definitely recommend) a few months ago and I couldn't stop talking about it. Hands down, the best middle grade book about 9/11 that I've read.

Parallel storylines take readers through the lives of two young people on September 11, 2001 and September 11, 2019. Brandon, in 2001, is actually inside the two towers when they are struck and it's an intense and gripping situation. Likewise, Reshmina lives in the foothills near the Pakistan border where U.S. armed forces and the Taliban are still in conflict. It's a deeply moving book that will give you a whole new perspective on 9/11.

Ages 10 and up

This middle grade book is told from the perspective of a group of fifth graders growing up in New York City and dealing with the effects of 9/11, even though the tragedy happened before they were even born. It's an excellent look at the past affects people over time and from all walks of life.

Ages 8 and up

I just finished listening to this middle grade book on audio and thought it was fantastic! Four children briefly meet in an airport in Chicago two days before September 11. They all go their separate ways, but each of them is about to have a personal experience with the tragedy of 9/11. The story is tense, but very thought provoking and will definitely give a readers a sense of the great magnitude of the loss and destruction.

Ages 10 and up

This new and incredible graphic novel takes readers through the events of 9/11 and then beyond to better understand the lasting effects. It's a profound and poignant book, but also a bit harrowing to read - save this one for older kids and teens.

Ages 12 and up