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Big Apple Diaries
In Big Apple Diaries, a diary-style graphic memoir by Alyssa Bermudez, a young New Yorker doodles her way through middle school—until the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack leaves her wondering if she can ever be a kid again.
It’s the year 2000 in New York City. For 12-year old Alyssa, this means splitting time between her Puerto Rican dad's apartment in Manhattan and her white mom's new place in Queens, navigating the trials and tribulations of middle school, and an epic crush on a new classmate. The only way to make sense of it all is to capture the highs and lows in doodles and hilarious comics in a diary.
Then life abruptly changes on September 11, 2001. After the Twin Towers fall and so many lives are lost, worries about gossip and boys feel distant and insignificant. Alyssa must find a new sense of self and purpose amidst all of the chaos, and find the strength to move forward with hope.
It’s the year 2000 in New York City. For 12-year old Alyssa, this means splitting time between her Puerto Rican dad's apartment in Manhattan and her white mom's new place in Queens, navigating the trials and tribulations of middle school, and an epic crush on a new classmate. The only way to make sense of it all is to capture the highs and lows in doodles and hilarious comics in a diary.
Then life abruptly changes on September 11, 2001. After the Twin Towers fall and so many lives are lost, worries about gossip and boys feel distant and insignificant. Alyssa must find a new sense of self and purpose amidst all of the chaos, and find the strength to move forward with hope.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2021
9 people are currently reading
2267 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Bermudez
13 books40 followersAlyssa Bermudez (she/her) is a born and bred New Yorker living down under in Tasmania, Australia! She studied illustration and animation at the Fashion Institute of Technology for Bachelors and Masters courses. Using watercolour and digital techniques, she brings a unique and vibrant quality to her illustrations.
As an author, illustrator, and art teacher, Alyssa’s work has appeared in over a dozen picture books, on fabric collections, and even on stage. Her debut middle-grade graphic memoir, Big Apple Diaries (2021), introduced readers to her personal diary entries growing up in NYC. The book is now part of the permanent collection at the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. Her latest memoir, Run Home, is a heartfelt story about friendship, running, and navigating grief with resilience and creativity.
With a deep commitment to celebrating diverse voices, Alyssa’s work embraces inclusivity and emotional honesty. She’s obsessed with dogs, books, live sketching, travelling, and keeping plants alive.
As an author, illustrator, and art teacher, Alyssa’s work has appeared in over a dozen picture books, on fabric collections, and even on stage. Her debut middle-grade graphic memoir, Big Apple Diaries (2021), introduced readers to her personal diary entries growing up in NYC. The book is now part of the permanent collection at the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. Her latest memoir, Run Home, is a heartfelt story about friendship, running, and navigating grief with resilience and creativity.
With a deep commitment to celebrating diverse voices, Alyssa’s work embraces inclusivity and emotional honesty. She’s obsessed with dogs, books, live sketching, travelling, and keeping plants alive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 13, 2022
Big Apple Daries is a coming of age middle grade graphic novel that follows Alyssa as she grows up in NYC. It covers so many different topics that middle grade age kids will be able to relate to like puberty, dating, friendships, and more. What makes this graphic novel unique is that it captures what happened on September 11, 2001 from Alyssa's perspective, how it impacted her life, and how she coped with the events after the fact. It was interesting reading this as an adult who remembers that day as if it was yesterday. Alyssa gives readers a very interesting perspective as she outlines the city's response after that tragic day. While I would have loved to see a little bit more of an exploration in terms of changing of politics as well as the rise of Islamophobia, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that at that age Alyssa may not have recalled those specific things. The art was really great. I didn't expect everything to be in done in some shade of blue but it really worked. It also breaks away from the traditional work of panels and does some journal like illustrations that readers may find in books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Readers shouldn't assume that this book solely focuses on 9/11. It actually takes about a good 200 pages before readers even reach the panels that part of the story. Overall, it was a great addition to my middle grade graphic novel reads.
August 10, 2021
This graphic-novel memoir is being released just in time for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. Alyssa shares her life as a tween in NYC at the beginning of this century. There are so many great details showing fashion, school, and life in the Big Apple. Included is her experience on 9/11/01. Both of her parents worked in or near the twin towers. Since we follow Alyssa's life for about two years, there are ups and downs as well as the typical identity struggles of a girl who is about to become a teenager. I loved the inclusion of the religious and moral instruction from her Catholic school and her fascination with shoes. Give this one to kids who have enjoyed Vera Brosgol, Raina Telgemeier, Cece Bell, Victoria Jamieson, and Jennifer L. Holm.
Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2023
4.5⭐
I went into this blind and loved every moment. The author shares very relatable worries in this beautiful coming-of-age graphic memoir as she juggles:
😵 School and grades
😵 Family and dual residence
😵 Crushes and breakups
😵 Popularity and fitting in
That's certainly a heavy burden to bear when you're not even a teen yet! Being biracial and a child of divorce, she also talks about identity, belonging and sometimes not feeling like a 'whole person'.
I loved Alyssa's voice and could relate to a lot of what she was feeling, from little things that seemed so important when you are at that age (but actually aren't) to the more serious milestones in her life.
There was a definite sense of foreboding when I saw what year the book was set in and as it approached 9/11. That sense of loss, devastation, fear, anxiety — then hope and rebuilding — seeped through the pages.
Told in diary-style and beautifully illustrated, this book is a highly engaging, illuminating and heartfelt read that I connected very much with.
I went into this blind and loved every moment. The author shares very relatable worries in this beautiful coming-of-age graphic memoir as she juggles:
😵 School and grades
😵 Family and dual residence
😵 Crushes and breakups
😵 Popularity and fitting in
That's certainly a heavy burden to bear when you're not even a teen yet! Being biracial and a child of divorce, she also talks about identity, belonging and sometimes not feeling like a 'whole person'.
I loved Alyssa's voice and could relate to a lot of what she was feeling, from little things that seemed so important when you are at that age (but actually aren't) to the more serious milestones in her life.
There was a definite sense of foreboding when I saw what year the book was set in and as it approached 9/11. That sense of loss, devastation, fear, anxiety — then hope and rebuilding — seeped through the pages.
Told in diary-style and beautifully illustrated, this book is a highly engaging, illuminating and heartfelt read that I connected very much with.
April 8, 2024
I am quite surprised that it is a graphic novel memoir which I didn’t know when I picked it up. It’s a perfect combination of emotions, storytelling and wholesome characterisation. I love the art style so much!
The memoir is based on the author’s experiences when she was a tween in school. The struggles she faced when it comes to grades, friends, first love, parents living separately as well as the author’s ways of coping everyday life with art and drawing.
The memoir has a big part in the second half considering the harrowing events of September 2001.
I love and appreciate how the author speaks up on race and identity in this memoir.
I feel that this book is really underrated. I just wish more people would read this memoir as I feel it would help us come to terms with our own insecurities and help us deal with the world that we are still uncertain of.
An amazing book indeed! Perfect read for all kinds of readers!
The memoir is based on the author’s experiences when she was a tween in school. The struggles she faced when it comes to grades, friends, first love, parents living separately as well as the author’s ways of coping everyday life with art and drawing.
The memoir has a big part in the second half considering the harrowing events of September 2001.
I love and appreciate how the author speaks up on race and identity in this memoir.
I feel that this book is really underrated. I just wish more people would read this memoir as I feel it would help us come to terms with our own insecurities and help us deal with the world that we are still uncertain of.
An amazing book indeed! Perfect read for all kinds of readers!
September 5, 2021
Big Apple Diaries is a relatable and enjoyable coming-of-age graphic memoir. Managing crushes, schoolwork, and a living in two homes after her parents divorce, young Alyssa is also actively doodling/journaling — a skill she will continue to use. This is a much-needed personal account of 9/11 that will appeal to a younger audience. I would recommend this one to kids ages 11 and up.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2022
I really enjoy graphic novels that have less dialogue and more exposition. In this book, it's through diary entries from the author's real diaries growing up in NYC from 2000-2002. I *felt* her pains, insecurities, big life moments. It made me reminisce about this time in my life where you have massive crushes, do wild things to fit in, and feel embarrassments aplenty. Every emotion feels big. The parts about 9/11 are very touching, to see from the point of view from a 12-year-old (these parts were taken from a friend's 9/11 diary according to the author's note). I loved the bits about her family, heritage, and general NYC living.
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September 9, 2021This graphic novel memoir is being released just in time for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. Alyssa shares her life as a tween in NYC at the beginning of this century. There are so many great details showing fashion, school, and life in the Big Apple. Included is her experience on 9/11/01. Both of her parents worked in or near the twin towers. Since we follow Alyssa's life for about two years, there are ups and downs as well as the typical identity struggles of a girl who is about to become a teenager. I loved the inclusion of the religious and moral instruction from her Catholic school and her fascination with shoes. Give this one to kids who have enjoyed Vera Brosgol, Raina Telgemeier, Cece Bell, Victoria Jamieson, and Jennifer L. Holm. * Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge *
September 1, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this gorgeous graphic novel from the author @bermudezbahama
All thoughts are my own.
Another book to add to your list of Books by Latinx authors!
Big Apple Diaries is a graphic novel based on Alyssas actual diary entries in the early 2000s. It follows her life in the months before and after September 11th.
I don’t usually read graphic novels but after my daughter Sophia told me she loved it I had to read it for myself. One of the reasons Sophia loved it was because she could relate to traveling back and forth to different homes. It’s such a big topic for kids and I find it so important to have it in books. I’m grateful for books that touch on that.
For me this book took me back! I was also 11 in 2001 so everything in this book I could relate to. From the crush on boy bands (mine was JC from N*SYNC) to the online chats! It was fun to think back on those days.
While a lot of this book is fun and typical teenage stuff it does touch on one the biggest tragedies in America. The author portrays exactly how we all felt that day. Especially young kids.
I truly love this book and it deserves a place in all school libraries. I’m so very grateful that I get to share this book with my kids.
All thoughts are my own.
Another book to add to your list of Books by Latinx authors!
Big Apple Diaries is a graphic novel based on Alyssas actual diary entries in the early 2000s. It follows her life in the months before and after September 11th.
I don’t usually read graphic novels but after my daughter Sophia told me she loved it I had to read it for myself. One of the reasons Sophia loved it was because she could relate to traveling back and forth to different homes. It’s such a big topic for kids and I find it so important to have it in books. I’m grateful for books that touch on that.
For me this book took me back! I was also 11 in 2001 so everything in this book I could relate to. From the crush on boy bands (mine was JC from N*SYNC) to the online chats! It was fun to think back on those days.
While a lot of this book is fun and typical teenage stuff it does touch on one the biggest tragedies in America. The author portrays exactly how we all felt that day. Especially young kids.
I truly love this book and it deserves a place in all school libraries. I’m so very grateful that I get to share this book with my kids.
October 12, 2022
I thought this book was going to go in a VASTLY different direction that it did. (When I read that Alyssa's dad worked at WTC in NYC on 9/11....I just thought we would have sadness! BUT I was happy to be wrong.
This is a good coming of age story. Alyssa was not obnoxious at all. She has a good relationship with both of her parents. She really wants to figure out her heritage. And ultimately, she asks hard questions of faith.
We don't shy away from mentions of periods and pimples (typical teenage happenings.) But it also brings goes beyond the teenage crushes and friendship drama. Alyssa discovers things that are so so much more important. <3 I appreciated seeing that!
I will recommend this to those who enjoy Shannon Hale and Raina Telgemeier. It fits the genre.
This is a good coming of age story. Alyssa was not obnoxious at all. She has a good relationship with both of her parents. She really wants to figure out her heritage. And ultimately, she asks hard questions of faith.
We don't shy away from mentions of periods and pimples (typical teenage happenings.) But it also brings goes beyond the teenage crushes and friendship drama. Alyssa discovers things that are so so much more important. <3 I appreciated seeing that!
I will recommend this to those who enjoy Shannon Hale and Raina Telgemeier. It fits the genre.
November 8, 2021
This is an overdue review! On Twitter, there was a #MiddleGradeBookChat about books on September 11th. During that talk, Big Apple Diaries came up many times. I was looking to read a graphic novel/regular prose hybrid, so I decided to pick it up. I devoured the whole thing in one sitting!
Alyssa is a 12-year-old girl living in New York City. She has a lot going on in her life, like dealing with her parent’s divorce, going to middle school, and crushing on boys. She records her daily thoughts in her diary, but, on September 11th, 2001, everything changes.
I adore this graphic memoir. It’s not something I see very often, but it’s great! I love the doodles mixed in with the text. I think it will keep the attention of young readers!
I think the strongest point of this story is how you know the tragedy is coming. Readers keep looking at the dates at the top of each entry. But, at the same time, you’ll get drawn in to Alyssa’s story. I found myself caught between those two things: the normal, yet engaging, story of Alyssa’s daily life and the internal countdown until the tragedy of September 11th. I was still caught off guard with it happened. That says a lot about how engrossing this story was!
This is a story that has some dark moments, because of the subject matter. However, it also is very hopeful. I think it’s a great book for children learning about 9/11.
Alyssa is a 12-year-old girl living in New York City. She has a lot going on in her life, like dealing with her parent’s divorce, going to middle school, and crushing on boys. She records her daily thoughts in her diary, but, on September 11th, 2001, everything changes.
I adore this graphic memoir. It’s not something I see very often, but it’s great! I love the doodles mixed in with the text. I think it will keep the attention of young readers!
I think the strongest point of this story is how you know the tragedy is coming. Readers keep looking at the dates at the top of each entry. But, at the same time, you’ll get drawn in to Alyssa’s story. I found myself caught between those two things: the normal, yet engaging, story of Alyssa’s daily life and the internal countdown until the tragedy of September 11th. I was still caught off guard with it happened. That says a lot about how engrossing this story was!
This is a story that has some dark moments, because of the subject matter. However, it also is very hopeful. I think it’s a great book for children learning about 9/11.
March 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this! It’s a graphic novel memoir based on the author’s journals when she was in 7th and 8th grade living and going to school in NYC. She happened to be in middle school in 2001, and does talk about her experience on 9/11, but it didn’t feel like the main point of the book. It’s more about navigating middle school and growing up (popularity, crushes, feeling like your parents have too many rules, etc) You really get a feel for what it would be like as a kid during that time.
I think kids now, having experienced the pandemic, could relate to that in some ways. There’s this terrible and sad and confusing thing that is overshadowing your life, but still life goes on. You have a math test, you get a zit, your crush reportedly likes you back.
I’m a little older than the author, but close enough in age that I felt nostalgic as I read.
I loved the illustrations (in shades of blue) and I liked that it was laid out kind of like a journal. There were dated entries and some blocks of text with doodles or full page illustrations, along with some comic book style panels that you expect in a graphic novel.
There’s an author’s note at the end along with photos of the author, her friends and family mentioned in the book, and of course, her journals.
I’d recommend this for those who like Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels or for someone who’d like a memoir of middle school life in NYC around the time of 9/11.
I think kids now, having experienced the pandemic, could relate to that in some ways. There’s this terrible and sad and confusing thing that is overshadowing your life, but still life goes on. You have a math test, you get a zit, your crush reportedly likes you back.
I’m a little older than the author, but close enough in age that I felt nostalgic as I read.
I loved the illustrations (in shades of blue) and I liked that it was laid out kind of like a journal. There were dated entries and some blocks of text with doodles or full page illustrations, along with some comic book style panels that you expect in a graphic novel.
There’s an author’s note at the end along with photos of the author, her friends and family mentioned in the book, and of course, her journals.
I’d recommend this for those who like Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels or for someone who’d like a memoir of middle school life in NYC around the time of 9/11.
January 29, 2021
A look into a 7th/8th graders life. The illustrations were so pretty. At times it was hilarious, and others it was very teary eyed. I would recommend this as a read aloud in the classroom that would lead to good discussions on being a middle schooler and the times of Sept. 11th.
September 9, 2021
This graphic memoir was a good read in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. You get to follow Alyssa,’s numerous diary entries and events written down leading up to September 11, 2001, along with how she copes afterwards. A really quick read and it includes awesome illustrations 😊
September 12, 2021
This diary format story will appeal to middle school readers as themes about friendship, boys, and family are discussed, during pre- and post- Sept 11 times.
December 6, 2021
Bermudez makes her solo debut with this humorous and sincere graphic novel memoir chronicling her middle school years in New York City, including a poignant reflection on the aftermath of 9/11.
May 21, 2021
I enjoyed reading the memories of a young girl who was growing up in New York City in 2001. Hard to imagine that time period as historical, but it was twenty years ago... For me, the most interesting parts were the author’s memories of September 11th and after, but any book about New City in any time period catches my attention.
My only complaint is the way the text was formatted. Some pages were almost unreadable, and none of the illustrations had words where the captions would be, only blank spaces. Of course, I realize (and hope) that this is due to the document being an ARC.
*Thanks to Netgalley for a free digital copy. All opinions are strictly my own.*
My only complaint is the way the text was formatted. Some pages were almost unreadable, and none of the illustrations had words where the captions would be, only blank spaces. Of course, I realize (and hope) that this is due to the document being an ARC.
*Thanks to Netgalley for a free digital copy. All opinions are strictly my own.*
September 14, 2021
The author is a year younger than me, and I recognized some of what she was going through as a preteen and teen right around 2001. She does an amazing job with this book!
October 11, 2021
Utterly charming, and the author is clearly a talent to watch!
September 4, 2022
3.5 The author captures those trying middle school years well!
December 22, 2021
Saw a review for this middle-grades graphic novel memoir on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 - so to my library I went. The story had many relatable parts - 2 parent household, parents of different backgrounds, and the huge tragedy 9/11 had on New Yorkers especially. Truly a solid story with a human heart. While more for upper middle grades and not for my library kiddos.
August 10, 2021
Alyssa goes to Catholic school in Manhattan. She splits her time between her mom’s place out in Queens, and her dad’s apartment on the Upper East Side. She thinks her parents are too overprotective. She is worried about what high schools to apply to. She thinks she kind of likes the new boy at school who’s cute and quiet. She does pretty well at school, when she doesn’t get too distracted. This is the focus of this graphic memoir up until September 11, 2001, which you totally see coming as these are dated diary entries.
Alyssa’s father works in the World Trade Center and she sometimes goes to work with him. Her mom also works in the Financial District. And on that day, you are very anxious about what’s happening. The children don’t know at first what’s happening, as their school isn’t downtown at all. But I won’t give that away.
I was twenty-seven and working in I guess lower midtown on 9/11/01 and I’ve read and heard multiple accounts from people who were caught in the event itself, or accounts that really bug me about people who were across the country and had no connection to it but who think their own story is important (sorry, it’s not.) But I hadn’t heard a story like this–from a kid in Manhattan, which extremely personal ties, but who wasn’t in the actual physical mess downtown. (I have heard about other children who went to school in the Financial District.) Her story is somewhat like mine–I was closer physically but didn’t have family members down there (I did have a couple of friends who lived or worked in the area, but they were all fine it turns out.) It was just so different for New Yorkers that I don’t think people in other parts of the country–aside from Washington DC–can comprehend.
The anniversary of September 11th is this year. If you want an account of the experience of living through that as a New Yorker, from young, impressionable, not yet understanding of politics eyes, this is a great piece. Especially great for children who don’t understand what happened (as none of them were close to being born! Man, twenty years.)
Alyssa’s father works in the World Trade Center and she sometimes goes to work with him. Her mom also works in the Financial District. And on that day, you are very anxious about what’s happening. The children don’t know at first what’s happening, as their school isn’t downtown at all. But I won’t give that away.
I was twenty-seven and working in I guess lower midtown on 9/11/01 and I’ve read and heard multiple accounts from people who were caught in the event itself, or accounts that really bug me about people who were across the country and had no connection to it but who think their own story is important (sorry, it’s not.) But I hadn’t heard a story like this–from a kid in Manhattan, which extremely personal ties, but who wasn’t in the actual physical mess downtown. (I have heard about other children who went to school in the Financial District.) Her story is somewhat like mine–I was closer physically but didn’t have family members down there (I did have a couple of friends who lived or worked in the area, but they were all fine it turns out.) It was just so different for New Yorkers that I don’t think people in other parts of the country–aside from Washington DC–can comprehend.
The anniversary of September 11th is this year. If you want an account of the experience of living through that as a New Yorker, from young, impressionable, not yet understanding of politics eyes, this is a great piece. Especially great for children who don’t understand what happened (as none of them were close to being born! Man, twenty years.)
November 25, 2023
I really liked this and know 13 year old Tara would have loved this. It reminded me a lot of the Amelia's Notebook books I loved growing up. It has 9/11 in it but it's not about 9/11, more I really loved how it captured being a tween
August 26, 2021
Most amazing graphic novel! My kids have loved following the journey. The detail is fabulous and the story makes you want more! What an amazing book! So lucky to have read it! Would recommend to anyone who is looking to put a smile on their face.
September 4, 2021
Big Apple Diaries is based on the author’s actual journals which she has illustrated as a graphic diary memoir encompassing the time from September 2000 to June 2002.
Alyssa Bermudez was the child of divorced parents, dividing her time between her Puerto Rican father who lived in Manhattan and her Italian-British mother who lived in Queens. This diary begins in 7th grade where “It seems that suddenly every grade you get and everything you do matters…. Now our friends are obsessed with who has a crush on who. And who is the coolest. There is all of this pressure to be popular and smart or face a dim future being a weirdo with no job.” (10)
Alyssa is not particularly popular, but not particularly unpopular either, has a much older half-brother and two best friends, Lucy and Carmen, and is an artist who wants to become a shoe designer. In this 7th grade year, she experiences her first crush—Alejandro from Columbia. Her diary takes us through the typical middle school year familiar to most of our adolescent readers. “Yesterday I did something very stupid. I knew it was stupid at the time and I still did it anyway. It’s like the drive to be popular makes me see things through stupid lenses.” (83) Typical preteen, she does many “stupid things”: shaves her eyebrows, accidentally dyes her hair orange, cuts school.
Two months before her thirteenth birthday, the attacks of September 11th occur. Alyssa’s mother works in a building that faced the Twin Towers. She escapes and catches the last train to Queens. Her father works in the World Trade Center but, luckily, was meeting a client in Jersey City that morning (and then, with no transportation available, buys skates to skate the 19.5 miles back to his Manhattan home). Overcome with emotion, Alyssa writes no entries for that day and the following few.
After that time Alyssa recognizes, “I sort of feel like I have no control over anything. I want to come back to the normal life I knew and the Twin Towers that I visited with Dad all the time.”(195) She finds herself changing, maturing: “When things can change in an instant, it’s hard to accept it. I want to make the right decisions and prove my worth. I want to be brave.” (211)
On her thirteenth birthday she begins to wonder “Who am I?” and begins thinking about more her character and how she may want to change. Her diary takes the reader through graduation to a future where, “Some things I’ll take with me and other things I will leave behind.” (274)
Big Apple Diaries, a graphic memoir of an NYC adolescent who experienced 9/11 as part of her middle grade years, adds yet another perspective or dimension to the other 9/11 novels.
Alyssa Bermudez was the child of divorced parents, dividing her time between her Puerto Rican father who lived in Manhattan and her Italian-British mother who lived in Queens. This diary begins in 7th grade where “It seems that suddenly every grade you get and everything you do matters…. Now our friends are obsessed with who has a crush on who. And who is the coolest. There is all of this pressure to be popular and smart or face a dim future being a weirdo with no job.” (10)
Alyssa is not particularly popular, but not particularly unpopular either, has a much older half-brother and two best friends, Lucy and Carmen, and is an artist who wants to become a shoe designer. In this 7th grade year, she experiences her first crush—Alejandro from Columbia. Her diary takes us through the typical middle school year familiar to most of our adolescent readers. “Yesterday I did something very stupid. I knew it was stupid at the time and I still did it anyway. It’s like the drive to be popular makes me see things through stupid lenses.” (83) Typical preteen, she does many “stupid things”: shaves her eyebrows, accidentally dyes her hair orange, cuts school.
Two months before her thirteenth birthday, the attacks of September 11th occur. Alyssa’s mother works in a building that faced the Twin Towers. She escapes and catches the last train to Queens. Her father works in the World Trade Center but, luckily, was meeting a client in Jersey City that morning (and then, with no transportation available, buys skates to skate the 19.5 miles back to his Manhattan home). Overcome with emotion, Alyssa writes no entries for that day and the following few.
After that time Alyssa recognizes, “I sort of feel like I have no control over anything. I want to come back to the normal life I knew and the Twin Towers that I visited with Dad all the time.”(195) She finds herself changing, maturing: “When things can change in an instant, it’s hard to accept it. I want to make the right decisions and prove my worth. I want to be brave.” (211)
On her thirteenth birthday she begins to wonder “Who am I?” and begins thinking about more her character and how she may want to change. Her diary takes the reader through graduation to a future where, “Some things I’ll take with me and other things I will leave behind.” (274)
Big Apple Diaries, a graphic memoir of an NYC adolescent who experienced 9/11 as part of her middle grade years, adds yet another perspective or dimension to the other 9/11 novels.
September 6, 2021
A graphic novel memoir!
Alyssa is living in New York City, and the novel takes place during her seventh and eighth-grade years (Sept. 2000-May 2002). Her parents are divorced, she's not popular, but she's not un-popular either. She has a crush on Alejandro and loves to draw.
This novel shows Alyssa's life before, during, and after the 9/11 attacks.
I was six at the time of 9/11, so a lot of Alyssa's middle school years were similar to mine. I loved/laughed at Alyssa needing to get offline because her Mom might be calling to check-in, or her waiting for her crush to come online.
As someone who was not living in New York City at the time of 9/11, I love how it showed what it was like for schools taking students into a space to tell them what had happened. Students waiting for parents, and the worry created as Alyssa was the last student waiting.
I really enjoyed how Alyssa found herself feeling better from drawing--when she'd draw, that's all she was focused on.
I think this is a great book for students to learn more about 9/11 in a graphic novel form!
I also saw a lot of parallels reading this memoir (from the author's diaries) in 2021. Some things thought, said, and felt about the 9/11 attacks are similar to the COVID-19 pandemic in my opinion.
--"There's sort of a quiet hush... It still feels like I am living in a bizarre dream. Strangers are making eye contact for the first time and it seems as though they just understand each other. It feels like everyone... is connected by the same thoughts" (192).
--"the weight of the world" (211).
--(For Thanksgiving) "I noticed how festive everything looked. I was glad to see some things would always stay the same" (217).
--"Sometimes everything feels completely normal. Everyday routines--going to school, doing homework, eating, going to bed. I don't even have to think of how it might be different for other people on those days. And then other days it hits me... like today..." (222).
--"How can anyone feel festive when those people aren't here anymore?" (224).
--"There is a sense of strength in rebuilding and starting again" (230).
--(For new year) "Last year was crazy and I am ready for something better. I don't know what's going to happen, and I guess no one else knows, either. I don't know how to put my faith into it blind, but I will try" (232).
Alyssa is living in New York City, and the novel takes place during her seventh and eighth-grade years (Sept. 2000-May 2002). Her parents are divorced, she's not popular, but she's not un-popular either. She has a crush on Alejandro and loves to draw.
This novel shows Alyssa's life before, during, and after the 9/11 attacks.
I was six at the time of 9/11, so a lot of Alyssa's middle school years were similar to mine. I loved/laughed at Alyssa needing to get offline because her Mom might be calling to check-in, or her waiting for her crush to come online.
As someone who was not living in New York City at the time of 9/11, I love how it showed what it was like for schools taking students into a space to tell them what had happened. Students waiting for parents, and the worry created as Alyssa was the last student waiting.
I really enjoyed how Alyssa found herself feeling better from drawing--when she'd draw, that's all she was focused on.
I think this is a great book for students to learn more about 9/11 in a graphic novel form!
I also saw a lot of parallels reading this memoir (from the author's diaries) in 2021. Some things thought, said, and felt about the 9/11 attacks are similar to the COVID-19 pandemic in my opinion.
--"There's sort of a quiet hush... It still feels like I am living in a bizarre dream. Strangers are making eye contact for the first time and it seems as though they just understand each other. It feels like everyone... is connected by the same thoughts" (192).
--"the weight of the world" (211).
--(For Thanksgiving) "I noticed how festive everything looked. I was glad to see some things would always stay the same" (217).
--"Sometimes everything feels completely normal. Everyday routines--going to school, doing homework, eating, going to bed. I don't even have to think of how it might be different for other people on those days. And then other days it hits me... like today..." (222).
--"How can anyone feel festive when those people aren't here anymore?" (224).
--"There is a sense of strength in rebuilding and starting again" (230).
--(For new year) "Last year was crazy and I am ready for something better. I don't know what's going to happen, and I guess no one else knows, either. I don't know how to put my faith into it blind, but I will try" (232).
July 20, 2022
Discovered this book after the graphic novelist happens to live in the same district as me, so that further perked up my interest. I've always been interested in NYC, and if your little one is too, this is the perfect introduction to the city and to the dark subject matter: 9/11. As someone who was born after the attacks of September 11 I found this book to be very important for my generation and generations to follow, the book is formatted in an autobiographical but easy-to-read manner being a graphic novel, with pictures, captions and words in standard English. I learned so much about what happened that fateful day but also all the fun things that Alyssa was into during her preteens - the Backstreet Boys, a boy called Alejandro (wink wink) and I'll leave the rest for the reader to discover. Age range would be 8+.
May 13, 2021
First sentence: It's the first week of seventh grade.
Premise/plot: Alyssa Bermudez shares some of her diary entries in her new book, Big Apple Diaries. This nonfiction illustrated diary (is it a graphic novel or an illustrated diary?) opens in September 2000. She is entering seventh grade. The book covers both her seventh and eighth grade years, 2000 through 2002. It covers school life (friends, teachers, classes, homework) and home life (her parents' divorce, living in two homes, her freedom or lack thereof, her friends, her hobbies, etc.). One of the big topics is her crush on Alejandro, a classmate/deskmate. I should mention, I suppose, it is set at a Catholic School. As the title suggests, it's set in New York City.
My thoughts: I think adults and tweens will approach this book differently--for better or worse. As an adult, when I read the date--September 2000--I was like I bet this book covers 9/11. Emotionally I was already sent a shock wave--is that the right word??? Finding out that her father works at the World Trade Center and that her mother also works downtown, it was another punch. I felt a connection and was invested in Alyssa's story. The target audience for this one would have been born between 2008 and 2011. I'm not sure there will be this immediate connection or concern because they didn't live through this. 9/11 if thought of as all is probably an event in a history book, it doesn't come with mental/emotional baggage.
I don't want you to think the whole book is about 9/11. It isn't. Alyssa is your typical (somewhat typical) tween. The issues she is facing at this time in her life are universal and super relatable. And I think that is important. Readers today can connect with Alyssa still.
Premise/plot: Alyssa Bermudez shares some of her diary entries in her new book, Big Apple Diaries. This nonfiction illustrated diary (is it a graphic novel or an illustrated diary?) opens in September 2000. She is entering seventh grade. The book covers both her seventh and eighth grade years, 2000 through 2002. It covers school life (friends, teachers, classes, homework) and home life (her parents' divorce, living in two homes, her freedom or lack thereof, her friends, her hobbies, etc.). One of the big topics is her crush on Alejandro, a classmate/deskmate. I should mention, I suppose, it is set at a Catholic School. As the title suggests, it's set in New York City.
My thoughts: I think adults and tweens will approach this book differently--for better or worse. As an adult, when I read the date--September 2000--I was like I bet this book covers 9/11. Emotionally I was already sent a shock wave--is that the right word??? Finding out that her father works at the World Trade Center and that her mother also works downtown, it was another punch. I felt a connection and was invested in Alyssa's story. The target audience for this one would have been born between 2008 and 2011. I'm not sure there will be this immediate connection or concern because they didn't live through this. 9/11 if thought of as all is probably an event in a history book, it doesn't come with mental/emotional baggage.
I don't want you to think the whole book is about 9/11. It isn't. Alyssa is your typical (somewhat typical) tween. The issues she is facing at this time in her life are universal and super relatable. And I think that is important. Readers today can connect with Alyssa still.
September 1, 2021
Relatable, beautifully drawn graphic novel memoir of the author’s two middle school years, with the events of September 11, 2001 serving as the hinge for an emotional turning point. Based on her real diaries during those years, the book realistically depicts everyday stressors of grades, switching back and forth between parents post-divorce, concerns about appearance and fitting in, and a school crush. It also tackles more complex emotions such as constantly second guessing herself, anxiety after a good thing happens that it is too good to be true, grief around 9/11, and a parent’s serious illness.
A definite to-buy for middle school libraries…it is only unfortunate that the cover image is so juvenile, or it would be more appealing to the 7th-8th grade set. I would buy for an elementary library but the very juvenile cover may mislead much younger readers (like 2nd-3rd grade) that it is suitable for them, where it’s sweet spot hits around 6th grade.
A definite to-buy for middle school libraries…it is only unfortunate that the cover image is so juvenile, or it would be more appealing to the 7th-8th grade set. I would buy for an elementary library but the very juvenile cover may mislead much younger readers (like 2nd-3rd grade) that it is suitable for them, where it’s sweet spot hits around 6th grade.
May 23, 2022
EDIT: Reposting my review from November 2021 because Goodreads deleted it??? Wtf.
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Someone asked me for MG graphic novel suggestions recently, and I'm happy to now be able to add BIG APPLE DIARIES to my rec list.
.
Based on the author's own childhood diary, the book is a slice of life look at Alyssa's middle school years in NYC before and after 9/11.
.
I highly recommend it if you like:
.
✏️ Identity questions (MC is half Puerto Rican)
✏️ Sweet middle school crushes
✏️ Quiet character driven stories
✏️ Divorce handled in a friendly way
✏️ Diary format
✏️ Early 2000s technology
✏️ Catholic School stories
This one is appropriate for upper elementary school too, so it'd be a great choice for classroom libraries, though of course be aware of the 9/11 content warning.
Have you read this one yet? 👀
~~~~~~~
Someone asked me for MG graphic novel suggestions recently, and I'm happy to now be able to add BIG APPLE DIARIES to my rec list.
.
Based on the author's own childhood diary, the book is a slice of life look at Alyssa's middle school years in NYC before and after 9/11.
.
I highly recommend it if you like:
.
✏️ Identity questions (MC is half Puerto Rican)
✏️ Sweet middle school crushes
✏️ Quiet character driven stories
✏️ Divorce handled in a friendly way
✏️ Diary format
✏️ Early 2000s technology
✏️ Catholic School stories
This one is appropriate for upper elementary school too, so it'd be a great choice for classroom libraries, though of course be aware of the 9/11 content warning.
Have you read this one yet? 👀
July 26, 2021
I read this with my daughter she really enjoyed it. It was interesting to her about the author’s experience and feelings she felt going through the events of 911. It would hard to live right in the center of the events. It also was fun she include real pictures of her self at the end of the book.
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