Literature & Fiction
![Alan Gratz - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B001JRTGEY.jpg)
Ground Zero
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.
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.
Editorial Reviews
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." -- Scho...
* "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." -- Scho...
Readers Top Reviews
Jennifer J.Candice G
My son, age 10 in 5th grade, was introduced to this book in school as recommended reading for book club. He didn’t join book club but I put this in his Easter basket. He read the whole book in 2 days...couldn’t put it down! Usually he starts a book and I find it in his room with a bookmark on page 10 a month later so this I huge that he was that engaged. He’s actually asked for more from Alan Gratz as he really enjoyed his storytelling.
Megan L
As an adult, I had a hard time starting this book. I was in NY for 9/11 and it brought back a lot of the fear and anxiety of that time. However, as I read and got to know the characters, I couldn’t put it down. This book is well written, suspenseful, and done in a way that leaves you wanting more and more. I highly recommend for middle schoolers and beyond
Adrianna Elzinga
This book was an excellent read! I am a middle school teacher and noticed this book was flying off the shelves at our Scholastic book fair, so I had to see what the buzz was about. Alan Gratz is a wonderful author. This book was a great way for students to get connected with 9/11, especially as my students were not even born before the event happened.
MZ Kiwi
My son is 12 and has read several of Gratz's books. This book arrived as a surprise on the release date and it took him less than 24 hours to finish it. Let's be clear, my son is all boy and would typically rather play outside all day than sit quietly and read for extended periods. After hearing he was done with the book, i asked him "how was it?" He then took at least the next 15 minutes to explain in great detail all that happened in the book. I love that this historic event was made real to my child. We then went to youtube and watched some of the footage from 9/11. A great conversation starter. Thank you Alan for the work you do, it is appreciated.
Jennifer
I teach 7th grade ELA, and I am confident that this book will be a hit with students aged ten and up. It contains an engaging mix of suspense, action, emotion, and a bit of a twist. Although this novel doesn't sugarcoat the events of 9/11/01, it is appropriate for tweens and young teens. This text will spark some thought-provoking discussions about this historic event and its aftermath.
