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With Their Eyes: September 11th: The View from a High School at Ground Zero
Tuesday, September 11, started off like any other day at Stuyvesant High School, located only a few blocks away from the World Trade Center. The semester was just beginning, and the students, faculty, and staff were ready to begin a new year.
But within a few hours on that Tuesday morning, they would all share an experience that transformed their lives.
Now, on the tenth anniversary of September 11th, we remember those who were lost and those who were forced to witness this tragedy. Here, in their own words, are the firsthand stories of a day we will never forget.
But within a few hours on that Tuesday morning, they would all share an experience that transformed their lives.
Now, on the tenth anniversary of September 11th, we remember those who were lost and those who were forced to witness this tragedy. Here, in their own words, are the firsthand stories of a day we will never forget.
228 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2002
61 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Annie Thoms
3 books4 followersAnnie Thoms received her MA in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently an English teacher and theatre advisor at Stuyvesant High School.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 16, 2013
I was hoping to enjoy this book, and we were hoping to be able to use it in the classroom. However, With Their Eyes as it turns out is a collection of monologues that were performed by the kids at PS (?). They are true stories of different people's experiences on 9/11 including kids, teachers, lunch workers. But in the forward it says that the monologues were written to be performed the way people actually speak. They ate written sort of like non fiction poems. BUT the trouble is as a model for academic writing it does not fly. It is so filled with ummms likes and you knows that i found myself getting annoyed instead of interested in the tale.
Ex: I'm not gonna like say I'm against it I think it was great, um, ideally the kids would've gotten them, you know what I mean like I gave most of my stuff away to kids, you know?
While this may capture the way people speak in real life, and might have been interesting to listen to or watch, reading it was painful and I rejected it as an addition for our 8th graders halfway through because the writing does not set the "scholarly" standard we are looking for to match the Common Core Standards.
Ex: I'm not gonna like say I'm against it I think it was great, um, ideally the kids would've gotten them, you know what I mean like I gave most of my stuff away to kids, you know?
While this may capture the way people speak in real life, and might have been interesting to listen to or watch, reading it was painful and I rejected it as an addition for our 8th graders halfway through because the writing does not set the "scholarly" standard we are looking for to match the Common Core Standards.
September 12, 2019
This is a very interesting project, and I'm sure was a powerful experience for the students who interviewed people and then wrote and performed the monologues. It offers a unique look at a moment in history that touched us all.
December 19, 2021
I thought this would be a great read based on the subject matter and premise of it being a collection of first-hand accounts. Unfortunately, this was not the case and the execution didn't work for me.
The book is actually a series of monologues from staff and students of Stuyvesant High School, that were then performed as plays by other actors. I was expecting actual interviews with those at the high school recounting what they saw, heard or experienced. It is in a way, but the effect just wasn't there. I also found the repetitions very annoying (people saying 'you know' and 'um' and 'I dunno' etc every sentence) and that distracted me from enjoying this book.
Another issue I had was the overall vibe I got from the book and author. Firstly, I was quite turned off at the introduction. Not only did it drag on, it also sounded self-important and like it wanted a pat on the back for being diverse and inclusive and thoughtful.
Secondly, I disliked how much focus was on the play and its impact instead of on the tragedy, its casualties and its effect on the country. I am aware that this is about centered on Stuyvesant High School and that was what I wanted to read about, not the play.
Nevertheless, I appreciate the insight from those who were actually at ground zero and the intention of the book, so 2⭐ for that.
The book is actually a series of monologues from staff and students of Stuyvesant High School, that were then performed as plays by other actors. I was expecting actual interviews with those at the high school recounting what they saw, heard or experienced. It is in a way, but the effect just wasn't there. I also found the repetitions very annoying (people saying 'you know' and 'um' and 'I dunno' etc every sentence) and that distracted me from enjoying this book.
Another issue I had was the overall vibe I got from the book and author. Firstly, I was quite turned off at the introduction. Not only did it drag on, it also sounded self-important and like it wanted a pat on the back for being diverse and inclusive and thoughtful.
Secondly, I disliked how much focus was on the play and its impact instead of on the tragedy, its casualties and its effect on the country. I am aware that this is about centered on Stuyvesant High School and that was what I wanted to read about, not the play.
Nevertheless, I appreciate the insight from those who were actually at ground zero and the intention of the book, so 2⭐ for that.
June 5, 2014
I was hoping for a bit more of an in depth story than I got with this one. These are true accounts from the students, faculty, and maintenance of Stuyvesent high school a few blocks away from the WTC on 9/11. The editor of this book Annie Thoms decided to write a play of all these accounts. So they picked out actors to perform the accounts on stage. But in reality it was a look in the lives of these people and what they went through.
I could feel some of these sadness and stress in these accounts but I did not see them as being very in depth as I expected that they would be. Also the actors that performed in the play acted out these accounts right down to the letter. So it was a little annoying reading all the 'likes' and the 'Ums' and the 'you knows'. But I do understand they were wanting this play to be as true to life as possible.
I did like seeing another perspective of the events that took place on 9/11. Seeing it through the eyes of others that were involved but barely mentioned on that fateful day. I have to say though that this book was just ok for me. I felt like it lacked the depth and emotion that you would expect.
I could feel some of these sadness and stress in these accounts but I did not see them as being very in depth as I expected that they would be. Also the actors that performed in the play acted out these accounts right down to the letter. So it was a little annoying reading all the 'likes' and the 'Ums' and the 'you knows'. But I do understand they were wanting this play to be as true to life as possible.
I did like seeing another perspective of the events that took place on 9/11. Seeing it through the eyes of others that were involved but barely mentioned on that fateful day. I have to say though that this book was just ok for me. I felt like it lacked the depth and emotion that you would expect.
September 30, 2009
The students at Stuyvesant were right in the heart of the attacks on September 11th. The students produced a play that consists of monologues from students, teachers, and other people around the high school. [return]I'm not really sure what to think after reading this. I think it would be better to see it performed. None of the monologues are gut-wrenching, and most show the resilience of high school students. Really, most kids bounce back from tragedy, and this didn't show any students who really fell apart after the towers fell. I kept waiting for the tragic student to give their monologue. So, I'm not really sure if I liked this or not. It wasn't dry reading, but it wasn't thrilling. It was better than a lot of things I've read about 9/11 though. Although my favorite piece is The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard.
May 24, 2017
The book is a group of poems from mainly high schoolers who witnessed 9/11. It contains first hand accounts of people in New York school systems who told their story their way. I liked how the story had many different accounts from different types of people so I can imagine what 9/11 was like first hand.
I did not have a favorite charactor because basically every page was a new person writing. The characters felt real to me, well they were real so... Some of the poems were very unpredictable. My favorite part was being able to read what victims wrote, especially becaue they all described it differently and had different perspectives. To be honest i shed a tear or two when reading this book. The book was really well written, i read almost all of it in one day, i did not want to stop reading.
There were some very suspensful parts of the book. Personally i thought the book was interesting but way to sad and depressing to enjoy fully. I would recommend to someone who likes to learn about what different tyes of people experienced in such terrible event, someone who is curious.
I did not have a favorite charactor because basically every page was a new person writing. The characters felt real to me, well they were real so... Some of the poems were very unpredictable. My favorite part was being able to read what victims wrote, especially becaue they all described it differently and had different perspectives. To be honest i shed a tear or two when reading this book. The book was really well written, i read almost all of it in one day, i did not want to stop reading.
There were some very suspensful parts of the book. Personally i thought the book was interesting but way to sad and depressing to enjoy fully. I would recommend to someone who likes to learn about what different tyes of people experienced in such terrible event, someone who is curious.
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August 16, 2021an absolute gorgeous piece of literature
November 3, 2016
"With Their Eyes" by Annie Thoms is a book full of monologues from many different people during the tragic day of 9/11. These monologues are from the view of a high school located at ground zero. It seemed like a normal day to the students at Stuyvesant High School. The semester was just beginning, and the students, faculty and staff were ready to start a new year. Tuesday September 11th was they day they were going to experience an event that would completely transform their lives. Reading these monologues opened my eyes to see the impact 9/11 had on the lives of many.
I loved how the book was taken from the point of view of high school students. This allows younger readers to understand the narrator and connect to what their saying. This book has opened my eyes to see the impact 9/11 has has to so many individuals and families. It has also showed me how people felt, thought, and reacted during this horrific event. My favorite part of the book was seeing the unity and strength of the community in every monologue. With everyone working together it seemed as if a tragedy like 9/11 has brought people together. I also liked reading each reaction. Some people were serious and mortified while others were confused and comical.One boy watched a group of boys laugh when the 1st plane hit. It's unique to see a characteristic like humor to be found in the midst of terror. fused and comical.
However, this book was confusing to understand because the wording of each monologue is different. I wish the students didn't use word for word of each interview because it added to many unnecessary words that made the monologues so much harder to understand. I also wish the students didn't include as many monologues because it was hard to keep track of each persons point of view.
I would recommend this book to people who want to learn more about 9/11 and people who like books taken from different perspectives. Unfortunately, I would give "With Their Eyes" 3 out of 5 stars because of how confusing it was to understand the book at times.
I loved how the book was taken from the point of view of high school students. This allows younger readers to understand the narrator and connect to what their saying. This book has opened my eyes to see the impact 9/11 has has to so many individuals and families. It has also showed me how people felt, thought, and reacted during this horrific event. My favorite part of the book was seeing the unity and strength of the community in every monologue. With everyone working together it seemed as if a tragedy like 9/11 has brought people together. I also liked reading each reaction. Some people were serious and mortified while others were confused and comical.One boy watched a group of boys laugh when the 1st plane hit. It's unique to see a characteristic like humor to be found in the midst of terror. fused and comical.
However, this book was confusing to understand because the wording of each monologue is different. I wish the students didn't use word for word of each interview because it added to many unnecessary words that made the monologues so much harder to understand. I also wish the students didn't include as many monologues because it was hard to keep track of each persons point of view.
I would recommend this book to people who want to learn more about 9/11 and people who like books taken from different perspectives. Unfortunately, I would give "With Their Eyes" 3 out of 5 stars because of how confusing it was to understand the book at times.
February 23, 2014
Author: Annie Thoms
Photography: Ethan Moses
Award(s)/Honor(s): Booklist Review
Grades: 7-12
Summary: This is a collection of reflective monologues (inspired by the work of Anna Deavere Smith) from students, teachers, and staff from Stuyvesant High School; a school located only blocks from the World Trade Center. This compilation of stories offers unique insight into experiences of the events that took place on September 11 and its aftermath.
Theme: This book offers its readers a look into the reactions of the events that happened on September 11th and how various individuals responded to these events. Students, teachers, and staff members of Stuyvesant High illustrate the confusion, frustration, fear, and anxiety that were felt throughout this day and days following September 11th.
Classroom Connection: This book could be utilized in a variety of ways. For instance, not only does it fit into a unit focused on September 11 but could also be utilized during a readers theater.
Readers’ Advisory: The content of this book does require basic prior knowledge of the September 11th attacks. This will be important for teachers to recognize in situations where English Language Learners are present as they may lack basic prior knowledge in this area. Teachers will want to ensure that these students are provided an opportunity to learn about and prepare for this reading.
This book offers a very distinctive look into September 11th with the goal of providing the reader a new perspective on how these events transpired. Further, the unique quality of being able to literally bring this book to life through theater gives it a new twist and allows the reader to become part of the storytelling.
Photography: Ethan Moses
Award(s)/Honor(s): Booklist Review
Grades: 7-12
Summary: This is a collection of reflective monologues (inspired by the work of Anna Deavere Smith) from students, teachers, and staff from Stuyvesant High School; a school located only blocks from the World Trade Center. This compilation of stories offers unique insight into experiences of the events that took place on September 11 and its aftermath.
Theme: This book offers its readers a look into the reactions of the events that happened on September 11th and how various individuals responded to these events. Students, teachers, and staff members of Stuyvesant High illustrate the confusion, frustration, fear, and anxiety that were felt throughout this day and days following September 11th.
Classroom Connection: This book could be utilized in a variety of ways. For instance, not only does it fit into a unit focused on September 11 but could also be utilized during a readers theater.
Readers’ Advisory: The content of this book does require basic prior knowledge of the September 11th attacks. This will be important for teachers to recognize in situations where English Language Learners are present as they may lack basic prior knowledge in this area. Teachers will want to ensure that these students are provided an opportunity to learn about and prepare for this reading.
This book offers a very distinctive look into September 11th with the goal of providing the reader a new perspective on how these events transpired. Further, the unique quality of being able to literally bring this book to life through theater gives it a new twist and allows the reader to become part of the storytelling.
February 5, 2014
"With Their Eyes" by Annie Thomas was a emotional book about teens who share their experiences with the traumatic event that took place September 9, 2001. There are over 26 stories each and every one different and spectacular. I enjoyed reading these stories because it made me visually imagine what they went through and how I would feel if it had happened to me. What I found most outstanding to me was the ages of the teens, ages 14-18. Some were my age, so it gives me a connection to the book. I like how even though each story is a set of different emotions the author made it flow. This book was not one of my favorite genres, but it definitely changed my perspective towards it.
June 7, 2016
This is a play my classmates at Stuyvesant High School compiled (through interviews) and staged in early 2002 about our experiences on September 11, 2001. One of my Spanish teachers, an actor/writer himself, felt it was overly dramatic, but I was utterly moved by the honesty in the monologues. It loses some of its effect on paper but is worth reading if you are interested in reactions to 9/11.
October 21, 2014
I thought this book was very interesting. I enjoyed it very much! :-}
January 15, 2015
I liked how the book took a lot of people's stories about what happened to them on the day of the 9/11 attack and how it puts you into the spot they were in
August 31, 2016
This was an account from the kids at a high school close to ground zero. It was a fast read but not a must read. For more thoughts check out my review on my YT channel Friday September 2nd, 2016
April 5, 2020
***SPOILERS***
I wish I could have recalled prior thoughts before opening this book up, but in full honesty I had no idea what to expect. As a sophomore in high school, I was not even alive when the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville took place. My first hand knowledge has only come from my parents or my teachers telling me where they were during the attacks and some of their friends and families that may have been more affected by it than my family and I. I can hardly imagine the thoughts of those who witnessed what happened. Through this reading I felt I had watched the trauma of people's lives appear as the minutes went by on what was only another day for the Students at Stuyvesant High School until the attacks.
Although this is an amazing read for me, I would never recommend having someone read this to a class or to a group because the message of the book will never come across the way it should. This book is meant to be read in one person's mind so that they can fully absorb what is going on in someone else's life in the time they need. I recall going back several times to reread peoples stories in this book, not because it was confusing to read but because it was so much to take in that I needed to be read again to fully understand. I felt that I was able to learn so much more about the impact of this event then could have ever been told through a history book or article about the attacks on 9/11.
What was so fascinating to me was the uniqueness of every monologue. It wasn't just students it was staff and facility that were just as terrified as the kids. Peoples confidence as a leader and person to look up to were completely shattered as many of these figures had no idea what to do. Everyone was so lost and almost accepting of the fate that they may have which was dark to read. Every person no matter how tough or weak was broken in their words. Some of these stories talk about the effects of the events weeks after it happened and how their mental health and sanity is at line because of the trauma having watched so much happen first hand.
Even within all this chaos, kids were helping out to the best of their ability. One monologue explains how one student went to help out at the red cross and do everything she could to help out. Even within all this, there was still unity in all those that were affected and that is what I saw throughout this story as a victory as a school. After doing some research about the school itself, today it looks like a very prestigious high school and one that truly lives up to the power of overcoming that it took for students and faculty to overcome in the aftermath of those attacks.
When ending this book, I can confidently say that I am touched by these monologues. I was able to get a deeper meaning from the first person reading and the realness of the reading. Thee were real people and the way the people are described fits perfectly with the words that are put in the book. Although that sounds like that would be intended, there are so many monologues that take what people say and shift them to the author's style, but this book holds the feelings of those people and I can say that I have felt the amount of affect they have had through how they describe their change in living.
I wish I could have recalled prior thoughts before opening this book up, but in full honesty I had no idea what to expect. As a sophomore in high school, I was not even alive when the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Shanksville took place. My first hand knowledge has only come from my parents or my teachers telling me where they were during the attacks and some of their friends and families that may have been more affected by it than my family and I. I can hardly imagine the thoughts of those who witnessed what happened. Through this reading I felt I had watched the trauma of people's lives appear as the minutes went by on what was only another day for the Students at Stuyvesant High School until the attacks.
Although this is an amazing read for me, I would never recommend having someone read this to a class or to a group because the message of the book will never come across the way it should. This book is meant to be read in one person's mind so that they can fully absorb what is going on in someone else's life in the time they need. I recall going back several times to reread peoples stories in this book, not because it was confusing to read but because it was so much to take in that I needed to be read again to fully understand. I felt that I was able to learn so much more about the impact of this event then could have ever been told through a history book or article about the attacks on 9/11.
What was so fascinating to me was the uniqueness of every monologue. It wasn't just students it was staff and facility that were just as terrified as the kids. Peoples confidence as a leader and person to look up to were completely shattered as many of these figures had no idea what to do. Everyone was so lost and almost accepting of the fate that they may have which was dark to read. Every person no matter how tough or weak was broken in their words. Some of these stories talk about the effects of the events weeks after it happened and how their mental health and sanity is at line because of the trauma having watched so much happen first hand.
Even within all this chaos, kids were helping out to the best of their ability. One monologue explains how one student went to help out at the red cross and do everything she could to help out. Even within all this, there was still unity in all those that were affected and that is what I saw throughout this story as a victory as a school. After doing some research about the school itself, today it looks like a very prestigious high school and one that truly lives up to the power of overcoming that it took for students and faculty to overcome in the aftermath of those attacks.
When ending this book, I can confidently say that I am touched by these monologues. I was able to get a deeper meaning from the first person reading and the realness of the reading. Thee were real people and the way the people are described fits perfectly with the words that are put in the book. Although that sounds like that would be intended, there are so many monologues that take what people say and shift them to the author's style, but this book holds the feelings of those people and I can say that I have felt the amount of affect they have had through how they describe their change in living.
March 12, 2020
After finishing my first poetry book, I was very excited to start another one. I picked up this book and I’m so glad that I did. In With Their Eyes by Annie Thoms, you get to experience the first hand stories from Stuyvesant High School students and staff on September 11, 2001. The school is just blocks away from the World Trade Center in New York and there is a perfect view of the buildings from some of the teachers windows. Each monologue is written to be performed the way the people speak and act to get the full experience of who they are and how they felt. You read about students, teachers, custodians, lunch staff, and many more perspectives. This book is an amazing piece of work and beautifully written.
In the novel, you can feel the emotions come through without the people having to say anything. It illustrates their confusion, frustration, and fear that were felt not only on September 11 but for the rest of their lives. Every person had a different experience and perspective which amazes me. At first, I assumed that people in the same building would have relatively the same experience but I was very wrong. Yet at the same time, almost all of them spoke on how it felt good to see New York citizens come together and have everyone commemorating. One of my favorite things said was “And it just reminded you that like regardless of what has happened like half a mile up there were still beautiful things below and beautiful things above and before long there would be beautiful things there too.” It’s amazing to know that someone who witnessed such a terrifying thing could find beauty and positivity in it. As cheesy as it may sound, this novel reminded me how amazing life is and to cherish every moment of it and always know that everything happens for a reason and to find the positivity in it.
With Their Eyes was very eye opening for me. It allows the reader to become part of the storytelling which I loved. This book gave me so much more insight on not only what they were feeling on 9/11, but also how they felt the following months and how it affected them in the long run. Some stories were suspenseful and some are tear jerking. You experience their raw emotions and it is scary yet beautiful. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is such a unique way to express the awful events that happened. This story is compelling and inspirational and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it.
In the novel, you can feel the emotions come through without the people having to say anything. It illustrates their confusion, frustration, and fear that were felt not only on September 11 but for the rest of their lives. Every person had a different experience and perspective which amazes me. At first, I assumed that people in the same building would have relatively the same experience but I was very wrong. Yet at the same time, almost all of them spoke on how it felt good to see New York citizens come together and have everyone commemorating. One of my favorite things said was “And it just reminded you that like regardless of what has happened like half a mile up there were still beautiful things below and beautiful things above and before long there would be beautiful things there too.” It’s amazing to know that someone who witnessed such a terrifying thing could find beauty and positivity in it. As cheesy as it may sound, this novel reminded me how amazing life is and to cherish every moment of it and always know that everything happens for a reason and to find the positivity in it.
With Their Eyes was very eye opening for me. It allows the reader to become part of the storytelling which I loved. This book gave me so much more insight on not only what they were feeling on 9/11, but also how they felt the following months and how it affected them in the long run. Some stories were suspenseful and some are tear jerking. You experience their raw emotions and it is scary yet beautiful. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is such a unique way to express the awful events that happened. This story is compelling and inspirational and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it.
November 18, 2016
Very different perspective on the events of September 11th. Here are some random ramblings on what I read:
*I think it would be interesting to do some sort of follow-up on the people in the book. Have they been affected by PTSD, or health issues due to the particles in the air?
*I recently visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum and saw the flag that was put on the fallen towers. I wish I would have known the story behind it when I was there.
*I was struck by the thoughts of one of the high school students who was so angry with the out-of-town visitors who were taking pictures and treating it as a tourist attraction. He wanted to tell them that when something that meant a lot to them was blown up in their backyard, that he would make sure to come and take pictures there.
*The story of the young man whose family had left their windows open that day and when they were finally allowed to return to their home, the dust and debris were everywhere.
*The resiliency of youth was very apparent. Some of them hardly seemed affected at all, aside from the trial of having to go to another school for a few weeks.
There were many more things that touched me or made me think. I just did a genre book talk with a 7th grade student. She had read Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story, and was using it for her historical fiction genre book. Wow. Something that we lived through and changed our world is now history for my students. That is why it is important to have these kind of books available for them to read. And I loved that is wasn't just from the students' perspective, but custodians, teachers, administrators and even a lunch lady. Fascinating, traumatic, and touching stories!
Areas of concern:
*There is some language as they interviewed people and used their exact words - even the uh's, um's, like's... So the "s" word was used a handful of times, and the "f" word appears 3 times. I was actually pretty impressed that was all that was in it considering the circumstances.
*There is nothing graphic mentioned, but disturbing allusions to the events of September 11th.
http://read-me-maybe.blogspot.com
*I think it would be interesting to do some sort of follow-up on the people in the book. Have they been affected by PTSD, or health issues due to the particles in the air?
*I recently visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum and saw the flag that was put on the fallen towers. I wish I would have known the story behind it when I was there.
*I was struck by the thoughts of one of the high school students who was so angry with the out-of-town visitors who were taking pictures and treating it as a tourist attraction. He wanted to tell them that when something that meant a lot to them was blown up in their backyard, that he would make sure to come and take pictures there.
*The story of the young man whose family had left their windows open that day and when they were finally allowed to return to their home, the dust and debris were everywhere.
*The resiliency of youth was very apparent. Some of them hardly seemed affected at all, aside from the trial of having to go to another school for a few weeks.
There were many more things that touched me or made me think. I just did a genre book talk with a 7th grade student. She had read Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story, and was using it for her historical fiction genre book. Wow. Something that we lived through and changed our world is now history for my students. That is why it is important to have these kind of books available for them to read. And I loved that is wasn't just from the students' perspective, but custodians, teachers, administrators and even a lunch lady. Fascinating, traumatic, and touching stories!
Areas of concern:
*There is some language as they interviewed people and used their exact words - even the uh's, um's, like's... So the "s" word was used a handful of times, and the "f" word appears 3 times. I was actually pretty impressed that was all that was in it considering the circumstances.
*There is nothing graphic mentioned, but disturbing allusions to the events of September 11th.
http://read-me-maybe.blogspot.com
March 12, 2018
I loved the book. For me, I turned one just before 9/11, so everything that I have ever known about the events are what my parents have told me, or I've learned about in one of my history classes. I have no memory of the date and the events that happened. For my parents though they remember everything. They remember exactly where they were and what they were doing. And how much it affected them, even though they were six hours from ground zero. I can only imagine what it was like for these students and teachers, and everyone else who worked at this school to witness this horrible event and how scary it must have been, when they realized that it was a terrorist attack. Reading this story, gave me so much more insight into what people were thinking and what actually went on and the days after. One of my favorite poems from the book, was from one of the students at Stuy, who had had a really bad day and his mom was promising him that tomorrow would be better. She told him that on September 10th. To me that just symbolized how no one could have seen this coming. To everyone working it was just supposed to be another day at the office. Another poem or story was from another student, a senior I believe. He had been walking around near ground zero quite a few weeks past 9/11, and a family asked him to take their picture in front of where the memorial was supposed to be, and he refused. In fact he wanted to throw the camera at them. It really symbolized how all of the feelings that all of these people were having were still so raw, and how moving past this was so incredibly difficult. The stories that are told, are so devastating. I would highly recommend this book, to anyone who wants to learn more about the events of 9/11, or anyone who is just interested in getting more information about what it was like to be right there when the twin towers came down. In each of the poems you can just feel how personal each one of them is.
March 24, 2018
With "with their eyes" Annie Thoms tries to take different people's personal experiences with September 11th and create a compelling, inspirational story. She takes various monologues from students and staff attending Stuyvesant High School (located at ground zero) that witnessed September 11th first hand, all of which describe what the events of that day and the days to come were truly like, and tries to paint a picture of September 11th from a unique point of view. She attempts to manage the monologues in a way that reveals the ways in which people express themselves and does her best to make you truly listen to each individual's personal story.
Each monologue was vivid and descriptive, with every individual providing the reader with a unique perspective of the tragic events of September 11th. The book also does a great job of revealing the ways in which people express themselves, with each person's way of communicating being beautifully interpreted into their specific monologue. The order in which the monologues occur also successfully achieves Thoms's main goal by truly making you listen and think about what the speaker is telling you.
Though the monologues do sometimes get slightly repetitive and boring and are probably much more interesting on stage, the book over-all provides wonderful insight and flows very nicely. With "with their eyes" Thoms truly provides a touching, creative story that will change your thoughts about the whole event.
I really encourage anyone who is interested in events like 9/11 to read this book!
Each monologue was vivid and descriptive, with every individual providing the reader with a unique perspective of the tragic events of September 11th. The book also does a great job of revealing the ways in which people express themselves, with each person's way of communicating being beautifully interpreted into their specific monologue. The order in which the monologues occur also successfully achieves Thoms's main goal by truly making you listen and think about what the speaker is telling you.
Though the monologues do sometimes get slightly repetitive and boring and are probably much more interesting on stage, the book over-all provides wonderful insight and flows very nicely. With "with their eyes" Thoms truly provides a touching, creative story that will change your thoughts about the whole event.
I really encourage anyone who is interested in events like 9/11 to read this book!
June 21, 2023
The cover of this book caught my eye right away. I could tell instantly that this would be about 9/11. This book was not what I expected though. This is a play written in a different poetic style where high schoolers from a school nearby the Twin Towers were interviewed and their responses were compiled into several different monologues. When they wrote the monologues, they chose to also include filler words such as um and uh and some repetitive parts. I found this writing style a little difficult to get into. I was also surprised at a book focusing on 9/11 actually not providing me with much new information or insight. There were entire sections that just focused on other aspects and seemed to repeat the same information.
Some of the most informative and interesting sections were the foreword and introduction explaining how this play was written and performed and one monologue by a school custodian focusing on how the school was used as a command post in the aftermath. I also appreciate all of the time and effort these young students and staff put into this play and channeling their energy into a healthy and creative outlet after such a national tragedy. I just thought this would be a little more insightful and emotional, but I found it to be a little hollow and surprisingly void of such elements.
Some of the most informative and interesting sections were the foreword and introduction explaining how this play was written and performed and one monologue by a school custodian focusing on how the school was used as a command post in the aftermath. I also appreciate all of the time and effort these young students and staff put into this play and channeling their energy into a healthy and creative outlet after such a national tragedy. I just thought this would be a little more insightful and emotional, but I found it to be a little hollow and surprisingly void of such elements.
October 29, 2018
With Their Eyes was one of the most unique books to me! It is a verse novel written by students and faculty of Stuyvesant High School about their experiences on the day of September 11th. It also accounts for some of their experiences during those days, weeks, and months after the attacks. The style of the book was not my favorite because there wasn't a lot of flow. It moves from person to person without true transitions. Because of the book's content though, it works. I know what happened on September 11th and have studied it a lot it school. Because of that, it was okay that the flow of the book was choppy. The positive effect of this style is that it is so raw and vulnerable. It is written as these people would actually be speaking it. It helped me focus on each individual person and their thoughts, emotions, and struggles that stemmed from that day. It made the book very personable. I also think it's incredible that it was written by a group of high schoolers. It is inspiring that they had the passion and desire to write it. I think students would enjoy this book and it would inspire them to make change. I also think it is important to let them know that tragedies like September 11th can't just be overlooked or forgotten...these things need to be discussed and remembered.
December 4, 2019
I was born after 9/11. All I ever knew about it was what I heard at school and watching the videos where the planes crashed into the twin towers and having a moment of silence during announcements in the morning. This book gave me a new perspective on how people around my age experienced 9/11.
The book With Their Eyes is about a play where a high school teacher and students created as a coping mechanism as a way to talk about what they saw on 9/11 because their high school is located on ground zero. The book is in poems, based on people who they interviewed. It's heartbreaking to see how the students explain how they saw the towers crash to the ground. "When I got home I started drawing like mad, trying to remember what the towers look like before I forgot" (Haydee 125) this quote is stuck in my head, you can see how all of the students are afraid that they are going to forget what the towers looked like or what is going to happen next.
I firmly believe that this book should be a requirement of all students to read before they graduate high school. With Their Eyes is an incredible story on getting a better insight into how people experienced this event and how it affected them mentally.
The book With Their Eyes is about a play where a high school teacher and students created as a coping mechanism as a way to talk about what they saw on 9/11 because their high school is located on ground zero. The book is in poems, based on people who they interviewed. It's heartbreaking to see how the students explain how they saw the towers crash to the ground. "When I got home I started drawing like mad, trying to remember what the towers look like before I forgot" (Haydee 125) this quote is stuck in my head, you can see how all of the students are afraid that they are going to forget what the towers looked like or what is going to happen next.
I firmly believe that this book should be a requirement of all students to read before they graduate high school. With Their Eyes is an incredible story on getting a better insight into how people experienced this event and how it affected them mentally.
December 30, 2022
I read this book in under two hours. It reads fast, just like the students and staff talking. Its all free association so it makes sense and does not make sense. The story that resonated was the kid who said that so many peers were laughing after the first plane hit the tower…making jokes about the pilot being stoned. It sounded typical adolescent careless thought and behavior. However, we know this is making—the joke is not funny; it’s just a way to compartmentalize their fear and anxiety. To cover up teal raw emotions. I would have loved to see this play and may research it on the internet. I think all Americans should read this, young and old alike to help put into perspective the greatest American tragedy of all time. You think you know what you want to say, and try to say it, but words will never math the visceral emotions that day. The words seem puny in so many ways, but having these every day regular kids and staff weighing in make you feel closer to all who lived and lost that day.
July 1, 2021
🇺🇸You know, I understand why so many reviewers were kind of upset reading “with their eyes” but what I don’t understand is that the book states that it is a collection of monologues from different people that were interviewed. I do too wish it would have been a little more detailed but then again, if I was in that kinda of shock, with something like that, I to would be speechless almost. I wouldn’t have known what to even tell you. Yes, I would have said what I saw but then I would have done what some of the people did. I would be more worried about my family and things like that. This book brings your emotions up front of how these people were in denial or shock etc.
🇺🇸Sometimes, I can’t remember what I did last week but I can tell you what I was doing on September 11, 2001. Can you?
I’m glad I got to read this! I read it in a day (would have been faster but I have a baby..#momlife)
#WithTheirEyes
#SeptemberEleventh
🇺🇸Sometimes, I can’t remember what I did last week but I can tell you what I was doing on September 11, 2001. Can you?
I’m glad I got to read this! I read it in a day (would have been faster but I have a baby..#momlife)
#WithTheirEyes
#SeptemberEleventh
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November 24, 2020This is one of those books that feels wrong to rate. Following the 9/11 attacks, students from a high school a few blocks from ground zero interviewed classmates, teachers, and other members of the community about what they saw, felt, etc. before, during, and after the attacks. Their recorded interviews were then transcribed and formatted to be performed by the students who did the interviewing. This book is the collection of the interviews.
It was definitely an interesting perspective, especially as a reader who had not be born before 9/11, but is now a similar age to the students featured in the book.
It was definitely an interesting perspective, especially as a reader who had not be born before 9/11, but is now a similar age to the students featured in the book.
May 2, 2021
Interesting to hear from this segment of the population on their views and experiences of 9/11, during and after. I was a kid just starting high school at that time, so I was curious what those near my age so close to the tragedy felt about that day. I came into this expecting more of a direct narrative or selection of first-person accounts; it wasn't until I received the item from the library that I realized it was a play/performance piece turned into a book. It doesn't translate well. I can understand doing a work of art like this to help students and others process their emotions, but I can't recommend it as a 9/11 book in general.
March 7, 2021
I feel like I learned a lot more about 9/11 while reading the book "With their eyes". This book was set up a little bit differently than other books. It is based off of interviews from high school staff and students that witnessed 9/11 during a regular school day. These are the main characters. It was truly so interesting to see how differently each indevidual reacted in the moment. I did really enjoy this book specifically how detailed every interviewer was. Finally I would totally recommend this book to others especially if they are interested in learning about our world's history.
April 25, 2021
3.5 stars. This book was interesting! I liked hearing the thoughts of the students (and staff) who were directly affected by 9/11 - they shared their thoughts on the actual day and the months afterwards. 9/11 is always a tough topic to discuss/hear about. This book took me longer to read than normal because it gave me anxiety reading it before getting on the planes for our trip we took this month (plus actually reading the ebook and not listening to it via audio). I’ve never read this type of format before - it was neat.
September 15, 2021
I am so grateful to my library for featuring this book in early September! I wanted to remember on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, but I couldn’t bring myself to watch the commemorative footage—I didn’t want to watch the planes crashing, the towers collapsing. Instead, I read what it was like for the school community whose classrooms looked out on the WTC, and got a sense of what it felt like through their eyes. Thank you, Stuyvesant community of 2001-02 for this gift. I wonder where you all are today?
December 28, 2025
I was a freshman in high school when 9/11 happened. I was not anywhere near the World Trade Center, but rather, I was safe in my little East Texas town. However, when we saw the news near the end of 1st period, many of the students spent the rest of the day in a trance. The mood was very solemn, and no one dared to turn the televisions off. This horrific event truly shook our generation, and we vowed never to forget. Sadly, many have forgotten. Reading this book definitely took me back to that day...
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