Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Most adults remember where they were on September 11, 2001 when planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the field in Pennsylvania.  In Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story (Lexile: 730; Interest Level: Grades 3-7), Nora Raleigh Baskin tells the story of 4 children from different parts of the country, focusing on their lives for the two days before this tragedy and how it touched each of them differently, but bringing them together.

Sergio lives with his grandmother in Brooklyn, New York, and is trying to figure out how to deal with his father who only comes around to ask for money.  Will lives in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and is trying to rebuild his life after his father was killed in a car accident.  Naheed lives in Columbus, OH, and is struggling to explain to her classmates about why wearing a hijab is important to her Muslim beliefs.  Aimee is struggling to start her life over at a new school in Los Angeles, California, where her classmates think her parents are getting a divorce because her Mom is traveling to New York for business.

Readers interested in this time of US history, historical fiction, or even books sharing different perspectives will enjoy this story. I certainly did. (208 p.)

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