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September Roses
A tribute to the memory of September 11
On September 11, 2001, two sisters from South Africa are flying to New York City with 2,400 roses to be displayed at a flower show. As their plane approaches the airport, a cloud of black smoke billows over the Manhattan skyline. When they land, they learn of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. All flights are canceled; the sisters cannot go home, and they are stranded with boxes and boxes of roses.
In the days that followed September 11, Jeanette Winter was drawn to Union Square and saw, among the hundreds of memorial offerings, twin towers made of roses. In the pages of this small and vibrant book, she tells a moving story.
On September 11, 2001, two sisters from South Africa are flying to New York City with 2,400 roses to be displayed at a flower show. As their plane approaches the airport, a cloud of black smoke billows over the Manhattan skyline. When they land, they learn of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. All flights are canceled; the sisters cannot go home, and they are stranded with boxes and boxes of roses.
In the days that followed September 11, Jeanette Winter was drawn to Union Square and saw, among the hundreds of memorial offerings, twin towers made of roses. In the pages of this small and vibrant book, she tells a moving story.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2004
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143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 12, 2020
Prolific picture-book author and artist Jeanette Winter, perhaps best known for her many biographies in the form, from
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
to
The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps
, here turns to the story of the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11th, 2001. This tiny book - 6x7 inches - follows the story of two rose growers from South Africa who arrive in the city on that fateful day, bringing 2400 flowers with them for a show. Stranded at La Guardia Airport before being offered shelter by a Methodist church in Queens, the sisters decide to use their roses to create a temporary memorial to the fallen towers, in New York City's Union Square...
Although I am familiar with a number of stories about the city in the aftermath of 9/11, and although I worked for many years quite close to Union Square - I can still recall the military patrols passing me, as I would sit on the train platform there almost a year later, and I have vivid memories of walking by the citizen-made memorial within the subway station, with the victims' names attached to the white tiles along one corridor - I wasn't familiar with the story in September Roses. I've read and greatly enjoyed many of Winter's other books, and this being the anniversary of the attack - hard to believe it's been nineteen years! - I picked it up today. It is a poignant tale, one made more powerful by familiarity with the events of that terrible day. I don't know that it would make for the best introduction to the topic for children, as it doesn't really explain everything that was happening, but it certainly represents one way of entering into a discussion with them, about the impact 9/11 had on the people of the city, the nation and the world. It could be paired with 14 Cows for America , which offers another powerful story of a reaction to 9/11.
Although I am familiar with a number of stories about the city in the aftermath of 9/11, and although I worked for many years quite close to Union Square - I can still recall the military patrols passing me, as I would sit on the train platform there almost a year later, and I have vivid memories of walking by the citizen-made memorial within the subway station, with the victims' names attached to the white tiles along one corridor - I wasn't familiar with the story in September Roses. I've read and greatly enjoyed many of Winter's other books, and this being the anniversary of the attack - hard to believe it's been nineteen years! - I picked it up today. It is a poignant tale, one made more powerful by familiarity with the events of that terrible day. I don't know that it would make for the best introduction to the topic for children, as it doesn't really explain everything that was happening, but it certainly represents one way of entering into a discussion with them, about the impact 9/11 had on the people of the city, the nation and the world. It could be paired with 14 Cows for America , which offers another powerful story of a reaction to 9/11.
September 11, 2011
A story of two sisters from South Africa who flew to New York on September 11, 2001, with 2,400 roses to attend a flower show and instead found themselves greeted with black smoke and stranded in the airport. A man from a church reached out to the sisters and offered them a place to stay. His kindness inspired them to share their roses with a grieving city.
A very touching story of remembrance based on the true account of the two sisters.
A very touching story of remembrance based on the true account of the two sisters.
March 19, 2018
What a beautiful tiny book.
Based on a true story, September Roses is a beautiful way to broach the topic/start the conversation about 9/11 with children.
I love how Jeanette Winter uses color here to tell this story. Beautiful roses of all colors brighten the gray pages after the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers -a real representation of how we can bring beauty and kindness into the world after something so dark and awful.
The storytelling reminds me of a fairytale (maybe because it's a picture book?) that make this read like fiction, but this is based on a true story about two real sisters who used their roses to commemorate 9/11 and the victims of the attacks.
Based on a true story, September Roses is a beautiful way to broach the topic/start the conversation about 9/11 with children.
I love how Jeanette Winter uses color here to tell this story. Beautiful roses of all colors brighten the gray pages after the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers -a real representation of how we can bring beauty and kindness into the world after something so dark and awful.
The storytelling reminds me of a fairytale (maybe because it's a picture book?) that make this read like fiction, but this is based on a true story about two real sisters who used their roses to commemorate 9/11 and the victims of the attacks.
August 31, 2017
This book happened to be face out on our picture book shelf. It am glad I picked it up. What a neat story.
September 27, 2011
Based on a true event, this book tells of two sisters from South Africa who came to New York City on September 11, 2001, with 2400 roses for a fair. However, when the World Trade Center was attacked, they used their roses to instead create a beautiful memorial to the twin towers. What I especially liked about the illustrations in the book was that they were in color up until the sisters' plane lands in New York, then they switch to black and white, reflecting the dust and sadness of the day. The pictures return to color when the sisters get to Union Square and create their memorial. I don't recall ever hearing about this incident in all the documentaries I've seen about 9/11, and I've tried to find a photo of this memorial, but have had no luck. I highly recommend this book as a special readaloud on September 11. Beautiful.
October 18, 2007
this is a small little picture book.. it tells the story of two african sisters who had flown to america for a flower convention at the same time as the sep. 11 terrorist attacks.. when the convention was called off.. they were stuck with 2,000 flowers and no where to stay.. they ended up displaying their flowers in the city as a gift to the city.. i LOVE the pictures in this book.. they do an excellent job of complimenting the mood and tone of the story
May 10, 2018
This book was one of my favorite books about 9/11 because it is written in a very realistic and visual manner. Winter tells history by focusing on a true story about two sisters dealing with the attacks of 9/11. This story is based off of two women confronted with and responding to the tragic situation of 9/11 by personally contributing in the hope for creating a memory of the twin towers for a possible recovery. This wonderful book teaches children that during tough times, it is important to be present and to be supportive for others and as a community, which I think is an important lesson that is important for children to learn.
May 7, 2019
Saya pikir kekuatan Jeanette Winter berawal dari pemilihan cerita.
Kali ini dia membagikan kisah tentang dua orang petani bunga dari Afrika Selatan. Mereka pergi ke New York untuk menghadiri Agriflowers & Floritech Expo. Saat mereka mendarat New York berduka, menara kembar terbakar dan tumbang. Mereka terlunta-lunta di airport beserta 2000 tangkai mawar. Sampai salah seorang anggota gereja First United Methodist menawari tempat tinggal dan tempat mawar-mawar mereka akhirnya berlabuh.
Ide yang kuat, pemaparan grafis yang menarik (warna menghilang saat peristiwa duka) dan dialog sederhana. Favorit saya setelah kisah "Mama".
Kali ini dia membagikan kisah tentang dua orang petani bunga dari Afrika Selatan. Mereka pergi ke New York untuk menghadiri Agriflowers & Floritech Expo. Saat mereka mendarat New York berduka, menara kembar terbakar dan tumbang. Mereka terlunta-lunta di airport beserta 2000 tangkai mawar. Sampai salah seorang anggota gereja First United Methodist menawari tempat tinggal dan tempat mawar-mawar mereka akhirnya berlabuh.
Ide yang kuat, pemaparan grafis yang menarik (warna menghilang saat peristiwa duka) dan dialog sederhana. Favorit saya setelah kisah "Mama".
September 9, 2021
Two sisters are stranded in New York City with their thousands of gorgeously blooming roses. They are inspired to uplift those affected by such a horrific tragedy and are offered kindness even in the darkest of times. This story inspired by true events was one of the best books I've read for younger children to begin teaching about the terrorist attacks which occurred in the U.S. on September 11, 2001. While not overly detailed, the story still depicts TV headlines from that day which will help explain how the country came together after the evil deeds of a few men attempted to tear it apart.
October 27, 2017
This is a lovely, age-appropriate book about an event that happened on 9/11. Two sisters from South Africa were bringing roses, 2,400 of them, to New York for a flower show. After the attacks on the World Trade Centers, the show was cancelled and there the sisters sat, at the airport, with all these flowers. It is a nice story of tribute.
September 11, 2021
DISCLAIMER:
Personal reflection and thoughts only. Please do not judge.
Read it today (twice, actually). I will reread it for the rest of the day. I want to dedicate my reading to 9/11.
I was very young then when it happened. I cried and cried because I feel sad for every one and their families. I want to wish for peace and healing.
Thoughts?
Love,
Lia
Personal reflection and thoughts only. Please do not judge.
Read it today (twice, actually). I will reread it for the rest of the day. I want to dedicate my reading to 9/11.
I was very young then when it happened. I cried and cried because I feel sad for every one and their families. I want to wish for peace and healing.
Thoughts?
Love,
Lia
March 28, 2019
An interesting, heartwarming story relating to the 9/11 terrorist attack. Two sisters travel from South Africa with dozens of roses, when they learn about the attack they are stranded in New York and become creative with what to do with the roses at hand.
6 Traits: Ideas
F&P: O
AR: 3.3
6 Traits: Ideas
F&P: O
AR: 3.3
April 4, 2019
Poignant picture book about the September 11 terrorist attacks from an unexpected perspective -- that of two South African rose merchants in New York for an expo. A good reminder for kids and adults about the far reaches of tragedy and healing.
June 14, 2017
Based on actual events ...
September 22, 2017
Heartstrings pulled
September 8, 2018
"9/11 picture book" is by far my least favorite book genre.
September 28, 2019
Quick story about what happened AFTER September 11th and how people came together to grieve.
August 25, 2021
I didn't know this story...
September 11, 2021
A wonderful book written about some events on 9/11/01…very appropriate for children. One of my go-to books for the anniversary of 9-11-01
September 21, 2021
I can't imagine being stranded with so many perishable roses, what a beautiful tribute.
September 23, 2021
Beautiful story in an easy picture book style for the youngest of listeners to learn about 9/11. And an interesting story that I don't remember hearing at the time.
October 8, 2022
A beautiful preschool and up story about two sisters traveling to New York city with their roses for a show only to have their plans derailed by the attacks of 9/11 and a surprise kindness ensue.
October 5, 2023
A pretty good book. But for me personally it was difficult to read as I do not know cursive, and the book is written using that style.
December 19, 2023
Beautiful picture book with text in cursive (how fantastic) reminded me of the reach of September 11 via folks who traveled to the US coincidentally when the September 11 tragedy took place.
January 12, 2024
Short memoir about 9/11
September 11, 2025
A lovely remembrance of September 11 and the roses from the South African women who comforted those overcome by the tragic events at the World Trade Center.
September 14, 2022
Lovely little episode of kindness and light that took place in the wake of the catastrophe on September 11. Would have given it five stars if it provided a bit more detail, but of course this is a children's picture book so my expectations might be too high.
February 28, 2017
Two sisters live in South Africa. They grow all kinds of roses. They get ready for the flower show in New York City. they packed 2400 roses. They flew to New York and then the sky turned black. They had to sit in the airport with their roses. They had no where to go. Someone gave them a place to stay. They wanted to repay the person and wanted to give him their roses. He took them to Union Square where he said they needed the roses. Then the two sisters formed two the two towers that had fell.
I really like this book. There is so much beauty in it. I love that it talks about the community of the after effects of 9/11.
I would use this to teach a young class about 9/11. This book is not sad and could help younger ones grasp the concept of 9/11.
I really like this book. There is so much beauty in it. I love that it talks about the community of the after effects of 9/11.
I would use this to teach a young class about 9/11. This book is not sad and could help younger ones grasp the concept of 9/11.
April 4, 2013
This is such a heartfelt and touching story about how two sisters, with their kindness, made people feel the slightest bit better on such a terrible day in American and World history. 9/11 is a day that will never be forgotten, and this book is a great tool to teach students about what happened on that day, and how terrifying it was to the nation. These two sisters used the roses they were bringing for a flower show to create a memorial to the towers. They used their kindness and generosity to spread warmth and hope to the people around them. I would read this book to my students on 9/11 to illustrate the events of that day so they can understand what happened and show them the kindness of these two sisters.
October 7, 2010
This is a touching tribute to the kindhearted people who reached out to others in whatever way possible after the tragedy of 9-11-2001. The true story of how roses, originally destined for a flower show, were used to recreate the image of the World Trade Center Towers and help heal people's hearts. I like the way that this book facilitates a discussion of the event with children who do not know or understand what happened, while still offering examples of hope, generosity and kindness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews