Eleven

by Tom Rogers

Alex Douglas always wanted to be a hero. But nothing heroic ever happened to Alex. Nothing, that is, until his eleventh birthday. When Alex rescues a stray dog as a birthday gift to himself, he doesn't think his life can get much better. Radar, his new dog, pretty much feels the same way. But this day has bigger things in store for both of them.


This is a story about bullies and heroes. About tragedy and hope. About enemies with two legs and friends with four, and pesky little sisters and cranky old men, and an unexpected lesson in kindness delivered with a slice of pizza.


This is the journey of a boy turning eleven on 9/11.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Childrens

ebook

First published January 14, 2014

About the author

Tom Rogers is a novelist and the screenwriter of numerous animated films, including The Lion King 1-1/2, Kronk's New Groove, LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers, and Disney's Secret of the Wings and Legend of the NeverBeast. Originally from Texas, he now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and tango partner, Jennifer. Eleven is his first novel for young adults.

Reviews

[Ruby Granger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst this book was certainly a light read in terms of the writing itself, the story was emotionally charged and filled with Alex's own suspense as he wonders whether his dad will come home. Rogers explores the permanency of 9/11 and how massive a calamity it was, but in a way that is easily accessible to kids (maybe 10+?). One thing I particularly loved was the kindness which arose from strangers after that morning.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes when a terrible thing happens, it can make a beautiful thing seem even more precious.”

Alex Douglas is turning 11 on the 11th. All he wants for his birthday is a dog to call his own. He’s left countless clues. There may have even been some begging involved. But his parents want Alex to concentrate on his school work. They want him to learn more about responsibility. September 11, 2001, will (and did) teach Alex and so many of us about responsibility and bravery and compassion and so much more. SO much more.

Tom Rogers tells this story in a stunningly suspenseful way with beautiful, simple words and descriptions. Listen….

“Alex stared. It didn’t seem possible. He held up two fingers where the towers should be, trying to fix the view, trying to make it right.”

I loved the connections between the different voices and events. Mr. Rogers pieces it all together perfectly. We meet and follow Alex and his little sister and his birthday dog, but we also see the day through other people’s eyes as well. One man is even a mystery—who is the Man in the White Shirt? That question will keep you reading and reading until the end. He could have been any of us! Your Dad or brother or son or neighbor. You have to find out though! But hold on to your heart! This little gem of a book is filled with powerful emotions and memories. It brought me close to tears several times.

My favorite part of this book though is the kindness caught on the pages. I could feel the huge heart and connectedness between the characters and the city of New York. I’ll never forget that feeling after September 11th--that feeling of protectiveness and compassion. For a little while, a horrible tragedy bonded neighbors and strangers together. We looked out for each other. That hope and kindness towards one another is the perfect message for readers of all ages to see, learn, and take to heart about the events of September 11th.

Eleven by Tom Rogers is a beautiful, hopeful read that shows the fear of that day, but focuses on the love and compassion.

A MUST read. This little book gets it right.

[Sarah Swann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good. It was a quick read and I enjoyed the story. It definitely got the research right on the events of that day and how it affected people in the moment. It was strange to see an 11 year old boy and his younger sister running around alone all day. Maybe that’s me from today thinking it’s strange, but back then maybe not? I liked the way it weaves together at the end as well. It didn’t blow me away and I may forget about it over time, but I enjoyed it in the moment.

CW: details from 9/11/01, bullying

[Lauren Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the topic of 9/11 was handled very well in this book. I would definitely recommend it to students who are interested in learning more about that day, particularly from the perspective of someone their age. Alex is very relatable.

A quote I loved from the novel: "It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

[Emilie T · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning, this book didn't really make sense to me. Later on, when the disaster of nine eleven started and the main character Alex's parents are in the building while this disaster happened, the feeling suddenly gets nervous. "The Man in The White Shirt" appears in the story a lot and has his own storyline. I think the author did an outstanding job of letting the reader be curious about who that is and why it appears so often in the story? In the end, the story reveals that "The Man in The White Shirt" is actually the main character's dad. While Alex at home is anxious about his daddy, the author writes about his dad's experience of escaping from the building and also the way home. It is an exciting way to write it that way. This story is also historical fiction. It tells the major event that happened on September 11th, the nine eleven. This book is really great and shows how families were when there was someone who they loved experiencing this disaster.

[Brooke Beeson-King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was done well for middle grade readers. It makes the events of 9/11 accessible to them through a kid's perspective, but also gives the perspective of a man who was at the Towers when it happened. I was annoyed at the beginning with multiple chapters spent dealing with Alex whining about wanting a dog. But then the story began to weave with other characters' stories and I thought that helped the plot and characters develop deeper. The side story of Radar added interest. Who doesn't love a story with a dog that gets a happy ending? I do like that the author did not make the entire ending a "happily ever after" because that wouldn't have been realistic with the topic.

[Rebecca Skoczylas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book because my daughters teacher read it with them in class. First time I read a book about 9/11 and first time I cried reading a children's book. Incredibly written and incredibly heavy but powerful.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs, adventure, and family. Growing up in a changed world.

Very intelligent writing in the way it weaves and combines the stories of 2 families while deftly handling a very emotional topic of American history.

Young adults reading this book were just born or as young as Nunu (the protagonist's sister) when 9/11 occurred. So they couldn't appreciate the significance this event has psychologically and financially burdened the U.S. and many parts of the world. The author carefully uses a fictional character (Alex) around these real world events to explain the impact it has on individuals, families and history.

The goal of great writing keeps history alive through stories. "Eleven" does it admirably.

Plus, who cannot like Radar the dog also rescued from a tragedy.

[Christina Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I hate you." Those were Alex Douglas's last words to his dad the night before his eleventh birthday. Alex has wanted a dog for as long as he can remember, but his parents don't think he is responsible enough to take care of one. When Alex gets up the next morning, his father is already gone to work as a PATH train driver to the World Trade Center. Then his birthday keeps getting stranger: his school is unexpectedly let out early; his mom, a hospital nurse, tells Alex not to turn on the TV when he gets home; and he finds a stray dog that he really wants to keep. It is September 11, 2001, and Alex's birthday is about to become one that he'll never forget. You have to read Eleven by Tom Rogers!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sensitive Portrayal of a Difficult Subject

I read this for a teacher who wondered if I thought it would be appropriate as a read-aloud for her 4th grade class. Having finished it, I would say the author covered the destruction of the Twin Towers with a rare balance of accuracy and sensitivity. Experiencing that terrible day through the eyes of a very normal eleven year old created a book that told just enough of the heartache combined with some very realistic kid-centered action. Yes I would recommend this book to any youngster who wanted to know more about 9/11.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so sweet. It was a shorter book, and it had to do with 9/11. I don't know, something about the book was so sweet and comforting. The best part was the fact that there were three different characters and, in the end, all of their stories connected and they were all together. So cute and sweet. Love.

[Alyse Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely shed some tears reading this book and thinking back to my own experience with 9/11. I thought this might be a book I could read to my students but I don’t think so. It’s a quick read and you have hopes for some characters but know the fate of others.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars✨

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

September 11

As someone who lived through that day... I can say that this is a good description of what we all felt as the events were unfolding. This is a young adult book but adults can regain perspective from it as well. Considering that there is a generation that will grow up not know what life was like before that day and on the day itself, this book will help explain it all.

[Hannalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

middle grade books are secretly the best books and i think you guys should read this

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started this book thought it was going to be boring and not interesting at all turns out the first ten chapters are quite boring but after that it does start to get better wouldn’t say it can relate to your life now. before I started it just felt like another boring book my dad had said I had to read and turns out the first ten chapters were but then I got connected was particularly fond of the dog in it because it was kind sweet and instant. The switch between the three characters did not really work for me. yes I would all you have to do is read past chapter ten and you will be pulled in. I would not read more from this author because and do not think he does many good books for young adults.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little known book that is spot-on about a boy's life on the day of 911--He also happens to be turning 11. The relationships with parents, sister, and other grown ups, are all sensitive and real. In some ways it has a strong similarity to Guinea Dog, without the humor.

The author didn't wrap up with a bow the idea of redemption for all, which I appreciated.

Good for 9-12.

[Neesa Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately during this horrific event, I was only four years old. I vaguely remember my mother picking me up from preschool. I ran to my brother and we just played with our toys like any day. I could tell that my mom had been crying because of the sorrowful look on her face.
I remember asking my mother and father questions about that horrifying day. My mother recalls how silent and heartbroken everyone was. When she picked me up from preschool, none of the parents talked to each other. There was just complete silence. My mother had this fear, the fear of what was going to happen next. Was Colorado going to get attacked? Why was this happening? My mother felt there was more to come, and was absolutely frightened.
My father just got off of lunch, and heard others saying that the United States was under attack. The first thing he told my mother was that he wanted to go fight for the country. He felt the need to do something, because he could not just stand there and do nothing. Sadly, my father is only a U.S. resident, so he could not enlist in the army. He was just in a hurry to get home, like all the other families. He and my mother watched the television for hours and hours and just felt sorrowful and anger. My parents stated that it was a day of terror, rage, and somber.
From the background I learned in high school, I knew the attack was in New York, on the Twin Towers. I knew a plane had crashed into the building, and many people were trapped. The buildings were on fire, and people were having to make a decision between dying a long death or jumping to their death. I knew that firefighters, policemen, 9/11 operators, doctors, and all people in the medical field could only do so much to help. I just had to research the exact time that this occurred because I could not remember if it occured in the morning or later in the day. The author gave me enough detail to where I did not feel the need to research too much information. I was able to connect with the background knowledge I already had from high school.
I liked the story, but of course it is not enjoyable reading about this atrocious event. If anything, this was the perfect historical event book to read. I think fourth graders and above could use this story as a guide towards information of what others felt during this time period. I think students being able to hear from the perspective of the 11 year old boy, named Alex, would help students feel related to the character. The book is able to help the reader feel the pain, the questioning,and the confusion that many school aged children could have felt during this time. Not only is the book historical and informative, but it is a great mentored text to use when a teacher wants to open a conversation about 9/11. Parents or other legal guardians could use this as a resource as well. I think talking about this event that my future students will never get to experience is a good thing.This book has to do with our US history and it is important that students are informed, given the truth about events, but also given the opportunity to asks questions. I would like to use this book for a fourth or fifth grade classroom, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to other adults or children.

[Alison Waara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleven by Tom Rogers is a great novel that could introduce or expand on younger student’s knowledge of 9/11. Personally, I was very young when this even happened, so I don’t have any recollection or memories of it occurring, but I have heard from my mother what she was doing when she found out about the Twin Towers falling, and in turn, where I was. Of course I have learned more and more about the even throughout the years in school, listening to different lectures, watching different documentaries, and reading about it online. While I read this book, I really though the character of Alex, who is a younger boy whose birthday happen to falls on September 11, 2001. While he is going through the motions of his day and the wants he has of his birthday, he has to leave school early and take care of his sister when he learns about the attacks. I can see an elementary class reading this book and being able to project themselves into the character of Alex, since he is learning about what is happening and so are the students that are ideally reading the book. Another aspect of this book that really adds to the story and could even be relatable to older adults would be the character of Mac and a mysterious man who are both at the World Trade Center. Their points of view are what really make the book intense and can really give kids a hint of how scary this event really was. Something that I can see children really taking to would be how Alex tells his father he hates him after a fight. Alex immediately regrets his words when he learns about the World Trade Center and remembers his father drives a train to the towers, so there is a chance that his father is in trouble. This part of the book can really teach students the idea of being careful what they say, because in Alex’s position he would have never known this would have happened on the same day of the argument with his father. This is a good lesson within such an educational book, and altogether I think it would be a great read for elementary students. Having an understanding of what happened, but even more how it affected so many people is so important.

[Veronica Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unbelievably sad tragedy of 9/11 happened when I was at the young age of 5. My dad was a Master Sergeant in the military at the time so me and my family were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Because of the time difference in Germany, the destruction of the twin towers happened during the middle of the night. It had left the whole base in sorrow, fearing for their family living in the states. All of the schools were closed for a few days because of the fear that terrorists might attack other places around the world. Since 9/11 happened when I was so young I wasn't fully able to understand such a traumatic event which led me to choose this book. "Eleven" is the story of a young boy who is turning 11 on 9/11/2001 who has been struggling with his school work, bullying, and his relationship with his dad.

Based on what I inquired from the cover I had assumed that the story was only about a young child with a dog, but it actually changes perspectives between chapters. It tells the story of a young boy named Alex, A man named Mac, and a mystery man wearing a white shirt. The change of perspectives ables us to see more in depth details about 9/11 that Alex wouldn't have known about. This book holds so much emotion in the words and produced many tears. The way Rogers writes just left me in awe and I was so impressed with the whole book. He made you feel like you were there and were feeling the same emotions these characters were feeling.

Eleven would be a great choice for middle schoolers to read because it would give insight to a United States tragedy that they weren't alive to experience. There's probably a lot of curiosity about 9/11 and this story lets you see many perspectives of what everyone in New York City were feeling. Another reason I believe it's a great book choice for this age group is because middle schoolers would be able to connect with the 11 year old character Alex. He is going through struggles that many middle schoolers go through such as bad grades, mean people bullying them, and butting heads with their parents. This book should definitely be recommended to this age group.

[Neveon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a huge tear jerker for me. I was only 2 or 3 when 9/11 happened, so I don’t really remember anything, but I know that it’s something that will always be remembered in everyone’s memories until that entire generation dies out. The explicit detail of the news that happened on that day was very hard for me to read and I can imagine that this would be hard for anyone who remembered this day and lost family/friends in this horrific terrorist attack. In my mind, this forever changed America and the way we do security and certain people that have specific ethnicities as well.

I don’t much about this time period, prior to reading, but I do know some because of history classes I have taken when I was younger, and because what my parents have told me. Prior to reading, I researched the timeline of the events that had occurred that day and also all the lives that were lost that day. I felt like this was prevalent information that I thought would be useful because it helped me to visualize the situation and what it was like in person. I learned what time the plane crashed into the two towers and also how many planes were hijacked throughout the day.

The book made me want to read/learn more about this time period, but also made me upset, so I’d have to do it when I felt less emotional. I can say that I did not feel like I could relate to the characters because I’ve never had to worry about one of my family members not coming home or not being okay. Overall, I’d say that unless you lived during that time period/ remembered what happened, it’d be kind of hard to relate.

[Audrey Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Roger’s “Eleven” is a wonderfully written work of historical fiction about a young boy named Alex and the emotional journey he endures when he learns of the horrible tragedy that occurred on September 11th, 2001. “Eleven” is a captivating novel written through the eyes of a child and would be a great read for the elementary classroom as a way to introduce young readers to historical events in a way that is not too horrific or complex for them to understand.

As someone who was only a child when the horrible terrorist attack occurred, I feel that Roger’s accurately conveyed the fear and confusion that myself and many other wide-eyed, innocent children experienced upon hearing about what had happened. Like Alex, I remember feeling so scared and confused about what was going on, why something so horrible was happening, and what was going to happen next.

Roger’s diction and syntax are successful in engaging readers throughout the entire piece. Both his writing style and structure make “Eleven” a captivating and historically accurate story that instills a sense of hope in readers for more good in the world. Upon reading the novel, I immediately noticed similarities to Anne Frank’s nonfiction book, “The Diary of a Young Girl”.

Overall, I think that “Eleven” can serve many purposes in the classroom, the most important being teaching young readers of a historical event in a way that is age appropriate, yet challenging and engaging enough to spark a conversation and stimulate deeper level thinking.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/11/2001 - Today is going to be Alex’s best birthday ever. Even though he and his dad got into a heated argument last night (where Alex’s last words to his dad were “I hate you!”), Alex is sure he’ll return from school to find that his parents have finally gotten him a dog! When Alex’s school is let out early and the adults around him are acting weird, Alex’s mom instructs him to take his sister home and NOT turn on the TV. On the way home, Alex finds his dream dog, a stray, who decides to join them on their journey…this is his birthday dog! But when Alex learns about the attacks on the Twin Towers, where is father works, he knows the only way to bring his dad home is to give up a good thing to make up for a bad thing. If Alex returns the stray dog to its owners, his father will return home…right??

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that brings the family perspective to the 9/11 tragedy. We see the day from the eyes of a young boy, Alex. It's his birthday and he's frustrated that he won't get the dog he wants. Readers see he and his sister move through their day after school is released early. His mom is a nurse and his dad drives the train that passes under the World Trade Center every day. He finds a stray dog that leads him to an elderly man waiting for his son to come home - just as Alex is waiting to hear from his dad.
Rogers juxtaposes a second plot line throughout - a man in a white shirt. Readers may suspect who this is but Rogers leaves two options open until the very end of the story.
Tender, swift read.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I don't have a lot to say for this book. It was intense at some parts, but I wasn't really hooked to finish it, because I basically already knew the ending. There was one part which made me think the Dad was dead, but it was just me misreading something.

I also feel the character Mac doesn't have a lot of meaning in the book. Yes, he gave Alex, the main character, some hope about his father, but otherwise not a lot else. That's maybe why when his son didn't come back, I wasn't really touched.

Overall, this was an okay book, wouldn't strongly recommend it but it's worth a read, as it captures the 9/11 event pretty well.

[Dana Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy turns eleven on 9/11. I was interested but a bit reluctant. There are some things you don't want to be reminded of. But in Tom Roger's skilled hands, I was able to see this day differently. Through Alex's eyes. And I was beguiled. This is a wonderful story about a horrible day. A great book for kids and adults, alike. 5 out of 5 stars.

[Olivia Porter-Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But there’s knowing, and then there’s seeing. Seeing was thousand times worse. Seeing made it real.”

This book will take you back to that day, and through the vantage of a child who is able to be sheltered from seeing NYC unravel that day. I could NOT put this book down, as I was torn - wanting to know the outcome for two families, knowing that it meant loss for one of them.

[Robin Tzucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how many books about 9/11 exist for middle grade readers, but this one is a must-read. Told from the perspective of both Alex (turning 11 on 9/11) and an unnamed (until the end) adult who sees the towers fall, it is a sensitive read that captures what it must have been like to be there that day.

[Ruth Cote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has “all the feels.” Tom Rogers did a brilliant job writing about this dark moment in recent history for Middle readers. It is much more than a story about 9/11, though reading it brought back all of my memories of this event. It is a story about friendship, family, human nature, and tragedy with a feel good ending (without giving the reader everything they want). A quick read that leaves you thinking.

[paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really sweet. It was an amazing portrayal of how a kid might feel while living through 9/11. It shows so much emotion in both sad hear trenching and then silly joyful moments. I was really hoping that we would see all the characters get their loved ones back but I understand why one father would not get his son back.
The writing style was easy to read and kept the pace nice and smooth.
I would say this book is good for anyone who is in 5th grade or higher.