Ground Zero: How a Photograph Sent a Message of Hope

Captured History

by Don Nardo

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, sent shockwaves around the globe that are still felt today. Nearly 3,000 people died in the terrorist attacks and thousands more were injured.  On the afternoon of the attacks, three firefighters paused in their rescue work to raise an American flag at Ground Zero in New York City. In the midst of horror and despair, the iconic photo of the men would remind Americans that they were far from beaten. It represented the countrys strength, courage, decency, and its hope for the future.

Genres: Nonfiction

64 pages, Library Binding

Published August 1, 2016

About the author

Don Nardo (born February 22, 1947) is an American historian, composer, and writer. With close to four hundred and fifty published books, he is one of the most prolific authors in the United States, and one of the country's foremost writers of historical works for children and teens.

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the iconic photos from 9/11 that focuses on the three firefighters who raised an American flag up a bent pole from a wrecked yacht near the harbor captured American's patriotism and hope for the future among the ruins of that day and was captured by a photographer who kept trying to break in to Ground Zero that day to capture the events.

The book does an awesome job breaking down al-Qaeda in a way that even I finally understand the underpinnings and beginnings which ultimately led to their hatred of the United States and planning the attack. Plus the iconography of the image is also directly related to the Iwo Jima photograph and therefore solidified it as an iconic image.

It was nice to hear that none of the firefighters nor the photographer really wanted to the spotlight for any reason and instead any financial gain from the photo was then used to set up a fund to help ailing first responders from that day.

[Beth Huddleston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sitting in the library when this book caught my eye: Ground Zero. Somehow my eye brushed past the subtitle which is what this book is essentially about: the story of one photograph taken in the aftermath of 9/11 and how it went viral not only the newspapers but pretty much anything it could be attached to from seat covers to sides of fire trucks. It certainly was a unique perspective on the day.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with powerful images that capture the devastation of September 11th as well as the hope that rises within Americans in the face of tragedy. While the book does a good job reviewing the main details of what happened during the September 11th attacks, its focus is on how photography captures and documents history in the making. A clear, and appropriate informational text for all ages.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photojournalism delves deeper than just pictures. The book explains the artistic composition of the shot as well as the historical significance What made this photo, of the hundred of thousands taken that day, so iconic?

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero, How a Photograph Sent a Message of Hope tells the story of photographer Thomas Franklin’s experience at the wreckage of the World Trade Center, as well as the known backstory behind the 9/11 attacks. The first chapter begins with a summary of the events that occurred on the morning of the attack along with a map showing the path each plane took. Afterwards, it tells the story through Franklin’s eyes from the moment he heard the event had occurred, to his attempt to get a closer look at Ground Zero. He knew that he would have to traverse lots of rubble and debris, but despite the risks, he made it to Ground Zero and what he saw there would go down in history through his photograph. Inside the area he found the true devastation the event had caused, and he noticed three firefighters raising an American flag amidst the wreckage. He took many frames of the photograph, which later become known as Ground Zero Spirit. Though the firefighters did not know their act of patriotism was being caught on camera, the photo soon became renowned. Because unlike many other photos from the event, it told a story of hope not just of death and destruction. Franklin immediately noticed that the photo had striking similarities to Rosenthal’s “Raising the Flag at Iwo Jima”. Both photos were a beacon of hope and bravery after two of the most important events in American History. Ground Zero Spirit was named “One of the 100 photos that changed the world” by Time magazine and many renditions can be found from murals, fire truck decals, all manner of commodities, and even a wax sculpture in Madame Tussaud’s wax museum! Interestingly when Franklin originally took the photo he had mixed feelings about people’s response to it, he feels the photo is about “The thousands of innocents who died senselessly at the hands of terrorists”, and although he agrees that it was the most important photograph he will ever take, he doesn’t feel defined by this picture. The main story is supplemented by many pictures; each with defining quotes to go with the text as well as interesting facts. For example, did you know that a forty-five cent stamp dedicated to 9/11 bearing the famous image raised over 10.5 million dollars to help support the families of the rescuers who died at the scene? That the New World Trade Center is 1776 feet tall symbolizing the year of American independence? Learn the story of where the firefighters got the flag and its mysterious disappearance. This book is part of the series called Captured History by Don Nardo. The series analyzes some of the most important images American history, their effect on American society, and the stories behind the people who took them. I would say that all young Americans should read this book to help them understand one the most devastating moments in American history. The amount of emotion eliciting images and interesting facts Don Nardo has fit into Ground Zero, How a Photograph Sent a Message of Hope is truly amazing. I give this book 5 patriotic stars!
Reviewed by Zander H., age 14, Gulf Coast-America Mensa

[Roberta Westwood · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible audiobook.

Stupid automated narration

This narration reads the book text as it appears. If there is a photograph on the page in the middle of the text, the narration stops in the middle of the paragraph and reads the caption, in the same tone and cadence as the main text. So, you’ll get, “ “I saw the plane crash and I” “Flight paths of the planes that hit the World Trade Center” “was so shocked. “ “ Dumb and unlistenable. I stopped. Never did get to hear the story of this photo.

[Ms Finley Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the facts seemed repeated and more of the 911 could have been provided, but I loved hearing about how the picture came to be.

[Nigelia Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

it good

the book is good and nice. it have good message. it also teach little boys and girls about history and has nice message.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture of hope, compared with the Kent State book from the same series, which brought home the horrors of what the Vietnam War was doing to our country.