Messages to Ground Zero: Children Respond to September 11, 2001

by Shelley Harwayne, New York Board of Education

This inspiring book brings together letters, poems, and artwork by children from New York City and across the country in response to the September 11th tragedy.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

163 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2002

About the author

Shelley Harwayne was affiliated with the New York City public schools for more than thirty years as a teacher, staff developer, codirector of the Teachers College Writing Project, founding principal of the Manhattan New School, and superintendent of District #2 in New York City. She has worked as a consultant and keynote speaker throughout the world and has published numerous books and videos with Heinemann. In addition, Shelley has published two children's books.

-taken from heinemann.com

Reviews

[Daniel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Tribute by New York City Children in the Face of the Tragedy of 9/11

Among those most traumatized by the incomprehensible events of September 11, 2001, were schoolchildren. Even out in New Jersey, where I was teaching at the time, the deepest emotions came from the children. Part of the emotional healing for schoolchildren in New York City and across the nation was to be able to express their feelings and thoughts in poetry, story, and artwork. This fine book contains letters of various types, in prose, poetry, and accompanied by illustrations. The remainder of the book is divided into themes: 911 - the emergencies of September 11, 2001; the heroes - those who came to the rescue and others who volunteered afterward; why - trying to comprehend how and why the tragedy happened, or could happen; where we were on that fateful day; reaching out to those directly affected by the destruction of 9/11; voices of hope - as expressed by peace, love, and understanding; and the pledge "We will never forget." Indeed, anyone reading the words and artwork, will not forget the tragedy, as expressed in the honest and heartfelt ways unique to the child.

[Janiyah Bembry]

i like this book because it tells yuo all about wat happened back in the day when some thing had happened like the twin towers when the plane crashed into it like i said theres alot you can learn fromthis book when u wsn't alive and you can learn abot anything just know that you can get alot from a bnook then doing research on the computer