What do you think?
Rate this book
Steps to Courage
Trina Lacy knew all about survival. Since her accident, she has been determined never to feel like a victim, but live life as a survivor. Her classmate, Mark Jacobs did not think he deserved to be a survivor. Plagued by guilt for his role in his parent’s death, he felt life was not so great. Trina’s ex-boyfriend Lucas James felt guilty for the accident he caused that left his former girlfriend scarred.When Trina proposes a fundraiser to be held at Windows on the World for their community service project Lucas and Mark jump at the chance to help. Each of them has their own reasons. Once in the Towers, they decide to divide and conquer. They had not expected someone to fly planes into the Towers. They never expected to face escaping the burning towers with all the odds stacked against them. Now the fears they have been carrying with them must be dealt with as they take steps to get out. The question is, will they survive the events of 9/11?
170 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2011
2 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 2, 2011
This is the first time I have dared to read any book--fiction or nonfiction--about 9/11, and I have to say that I was impressed and touched.
The first half of this book is absolutely stellar. I was pleased to discover how much research the author had done concerning 9/11 and New York. The descriptions of the terror attack and just afterwards were heart-wrenching and brought a tear to my eye. I will say that I do not normally cry when reading a book, and had it not been for the well-written text, I would have dreaded picking it up each night to read. I found myself so drawn into the story, and I cared about the three main characters--Lucas, Mark, and Trina.
My only criticism concerns the second half of the book. Following the events of 9/11, I feel that the author tried to rush too fast through the rest of the story. I realize this is a young adult book, and I understand that keeping the book short is important in this case. I also realize that the reader cares about these teens and wants to know how 9/11 ultimately affected the rest of their lives. But I would have preferred either spending more time on the event of 9/11 and only following the characters through the end of their school year or writing a sequel to detail how 9/11 affected the characters' lives so that we could learn more about the characters' journey to healing. Because the second half of the book was rushed, I felt that much of the story became disjointed and too easy to predict. Granted, I was glad to discover what happened to the characters, but I would have preferred having more time for the stories to develop.
I was quite impressed with the writing style of this author. It is her debut book, and it is neat to note that she wrote it in response to a challenge from the students she teaches. I felt like the first half of the book was written by a seasoned professional, and the author accomplished her ultimate purpose. I learned a lot about the events of 9/11, and it is important to be reminded of that horrific day as the 10-year anniversary looms near. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
The first half of this book is absolutely stellar. I was pleased to discover how much research the author had done concerning 9/11 and New York. The descriptions of the terror attack and just afterwards were heart-wrenching and brought a tear to my eye. I will say that I do not normally cry when reading a book, and had it not been for the well-written text, I would have dreaded picking it up each night to read. I found myself so drawn into the story, and I cared about the three main characters--Lucas, Mark, and Trina.
My only criticism concerns the second half of the book. Following the events of 9/11, I feel that the author tried to rush too fast through the rest of the story. I realize this is a young adult book, and I understand that keeping the book short is important in this case. I also realize that the reader cares about these teens and wants to know how 9/11 ultimately affected the rest of their lives. But I would have preferred either spending more time on the event of 9/11 and only following the characters through the end of their school year or writing a sequel to detail how 9/11 affected the characters' lives so that we could learn more about the characters' journey to healing. Because the second half of the book was rushed, I felt that much of the story became disjointed and too easy to predict. Granted, I was glad to discover what happened to the characters, but I would have preferred having more time for the stories to develop.
I was quite impressed with the writing style of this author. It is her debut book, and it is neat to note that she wrote it in response to a challenge from the students she teaches. I felt like the first half of the book was written by a seasoned professional, and the author accomplished her ultimate purpose. I learned a lot about the events of 9/11, and it is important to be reminded of that horrific day as the 10-year anniversary looms near. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 26, 2011
I didn't know how I would feel reading this book because there was so much death
and destruction on that day, but it actually made me feel better about 9/11. Whenever I've thought about it in the years since, I've only thought of the lives lost and the people they left behind. I felt nothing but a horrible sadness. Thanks to the author, I now have seen what that day may have been like for those that miraculously survived. Yes, they went through a living hell that day, but they made it through. They may have had awful injuries, but they are alive. And that makes me feel better.
Overall I really enjoyed the book, but there were a few things that bothered me. The author sounded so prim and proper in her writing style. I wish she's been a little more....light with her wording. I also saw a few typos.
I know many people have said they don't know if they want to read this book because it's about 9/11, but I think everyone would enjoy it. The news during that time was centered so much on the deaths and loss, but this book focuses on the fact that there were survivors. And it reminds us how we as Americans joined together during the worst event most of us had ever lived through.
I'm very glad I decided to read this book.
and destruction on that day, but it actually made me feel better about 9/11. Whenever I've thought about it in the years since, I've only thought of the lives lost and the people they left behind. I felt nothing but a horrible sadness. Thanks to the author, I now have seen what that day may have been like for those that miraculously survived. Yes, they went through a living hell that day, but they made it through. They may have had awful injuries, but they are alive. And that makes me feel better.
Overall I really enjoyed the book, but there were a few things that bothered me. The author sounded so prim and proper in her writing style. I wish she's been a little more....light with her wording. I also saw a few typos.
I know many people have said they don't know if they want to read this book because it's about 9/11, but I think everyone would enjoy it. The news during that time was centered so much on the deaths and loss, but this book focuses on the fact that there were survivors. And it reminds us how we as Americans joined together during the worst event most of us had ever lived through.
I'm very glad I decided to read this book.
September 16, 2012
This is the first book that I have read that is based on events around September 11. I think we all remember where we were when the news came, and how we felt as we watched it unfold on TV before our eyes. Having such vivid pictures in my mind of that day, it was so easy to visualize what was happening in this book. I thought that the author did a wonderful job in presenting a teen's point of view. Can you imagine how many stories could be told from that day?
This book is more than a 9/11 story, it's a story of three teens who have already had to face many challenges in their lives. Little did they know that their biggest test was on that day. It is a story that takes us on a journey to witness how those who survived that day had their lives changed forever. Be it by an enormous tragedy like 9/11 or something small, it also reminded me that a single event can have life changing consequences.
As I read parts of this book I was returned to that day, I felt the dread for my kids' future, I felt my heart beating when tragedy struck, I felt confusion as to why someone would do this to others. As the story evolved I felt sad, I felt glad, I felt mad, I felt surpised ... but most of all, I felt the memories of that terrible day. This book tells a great story from the perspective of teens, one that I have never seen or read before.
Note: I don't claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I'd rather focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on writing style, structure or typos.
This book is more than a 9/11 story, it's a story of three teens who have already had to face many challenges in their lives. Little did they know that their biggest test was on that day. It is a story that takes us on a journey to witness how those who survived that day had their lives changed forever. Be it by an enormous tragedy like 9/11 or something small, it also reminded me that a single event can have life changing consequences.
As I read parts of this book I was returned to that day, I felt the dread for my kids' future, I felt my heart beating when tragedy struck, I felt confusion as to why someone would do this to others. As the story evolved I felt sad, I felt glad, I felt mad, I felt surpised ... but most of all, I felt the memories of that terrible day. This book tells a great story from the perspective of teens, one that I have never seen or read before.
Note: I don't claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I'd rather focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on writing style, structure or typos.
October 14, 2011
I personally read this book I think this book is GREAT! I rate it a 5 star!I love your book ms.stiles my favorite language arts teacher!
June 18, 2020
A lot of information has become available since September 11, 2001. We now know that the three World Trade Center buildings that collapsed that day - buildings 1, 3 and 7 - were not brought down by jet fuel. And we now know who the real perpetrators were. That aside, this is a riveting book about the experiences of three young characters on that fateful day; characters that were in one of the buildings at the time.
The characters are complex and well drawn. The action, though horrific, is described in such detail that the reader can feel the confusion, the chaos, and the violence that erupts that day. As a reader you really feel for these characters. I would like to see more books by this author.
The characters are complex and well drawn. The action, though horrific, is described in such detail that the reader can feel the confusion, the chaos, and the violence that erupts that day. As a reader you really feel for these characters. I would like to see more books by this author.
May 29, 2024
Excellent book. This is fast-paced and fun to read. I like the characters, their dialogue, and the lessons learned. I am glad I found this book. This could be a movie!
October 25, 2024
Bravo
This is such a great reminder on acting like survivors instead of victims. Had my eyes leaking in a few spots and really felt like I knew these kids.
This is such a great reminder on acting like survivors instead of victims. Had my eyes leaking in a few spots and really felt like I knew these kids.
September 13, 2011
I recently read an amazing book, it was Steps to Courage by Sandra Stiles. It has to do with 9/11. This book astounded me in many ways. It is a real eye opener. It follows three characters, Trina, Mark, and Lucas. In the beginning, each chapter focuses on a different character and their point of view. I enjoyed the way the book was written. The way the author describes and tells the story makes me feel better about what happened on that terrible day. I always thought of death and suicide when faced with 9/11, but I now realize how many people did survive, but that can't take away the sadness of that day.
This book is a must read for anyone that likes a good book. It was very descriptive and made me more comfortable when talking about the events of 9/11. I really liked the characters, and that is one of the most important things in a book. The ending was very happy and it couldn't have been better. I was also amazed at how much research went into the writing. I would classify this book as historical fiction, and it was a joy to read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I did have a few problems with the writing though. No book is perfect, and the following are minor things.
1. The characters dialogue is sometimes long.
2. Sometimes "s are misplaced, like "Words words" ,
3. The characters sometimes say things that just retell what I just read.
These were the only problems I had with the book, overall I give it a 4/5. I would seriously recommend reading it, it was fantastic.
Get it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Courage-S...
This book is a must read for anyone that likes a good book. It was very descriptive and made me more comfortable when talking about the events of 9/11. I really liked the characters, and that is one of the most important things in a book. The ending was very happy and it couldn't have been better. I was also amazed at how much research went into the writing. I would classify this book as historical fiction, and it was a joy to read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I did have a few problems with the writing though. No book is perfect, and the following are minor things.
1. The characters dialogue is sometimes long.
2. Sometimes "s are misplaced, like "Words words" ,
3. The characters sometimes say things that just retell what I just read.
These were the only problems I had with the book, overall I give it a 4/5. I would seriously recommend reading it, it was fantastic.
Get it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Courage-S...
September 5, 2015
I was reading the book this week and realized it was Sept 11, the 11th year since the Twin Tower attacks. The story brought the horror home.
Then near the end of the book Lucas is injured by an IED in Afghanistan. The description of his coming out of coma and the recovery phase were almost identical to what we witnessed our son go through in May to August of 2012 in Tokyo following a severe pedestrian car accident.
This was uncanny. It was like it was our story!
Then near the end of the book Lucas is injured by an IED in Afghanistan. The description of his coming out of coma and the recovery phase were almost identical to what we witnessed our son go through in May to August of 2012 in Tokyo following a severe pedestrian car accident.
This was uncanny. It was like it was our story!
July 24, 2015
This is the moving story of three teenagers who have faced tragedy and later find themselves fleeing the World Trade Center on 9/11. The actual attack on the Twin Towers, from the viewpoints of Trina, Mark and Lucas, is very well written. The storyline is well developed, however more showing and less telling would've made it a stronger novel. Nevertheless, I recommend reading Steps to Courage because it's a very good story with great heart.
July 19, 2015
I enjoyed this story so much; it felt like I was reading about actual events which may have taken place, though we could never know for sure.
It was hard to put the book down and there were times I feared the towers would collapse before the teens and so many others would get out. Suspense was definitely part of the reading experience but it was also an uplifting story in that it shows how such a terrible tragedy helped shape the lives of others in a positive way.
It was hard to put the book down and there were times I feared the towers would collapse before the teens and so many others would get out. Suspense was definitely part of the reading experience but it was also an uplifting story in that it shows how such a terrible tragedy helped shape the lives of others in a positive way.
June 23, 2012
I enjoyed this book. Sandra made me feel as though I was experiencing September 11th all over again but from the perspective of the victims. I recommend this book!
Read
February 25, 2016kindle 9/11 172 (toreadsoon)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews