America Under Attack: September 11, 2001

by Gail B. Stewart

Discusses the events surrounding the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 20001, and describes the experiences of those involved and the impact of these attacks.

Genres: Nonfiction

96 pages, Library Binding

First published April 19, 2002

About the author

Current Home:
Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Stewart taught English and reading for more than ten years.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

One would think I’ve read enough of this topic, but I am going through the items we hold at work. This was another worthy resource, a hard cover book classified as Juvenile literature. A lot of the books I have borrowed on this important event are located at our 'depot', where items are housed if they are not often borrowed, are the last copy held in Australia, and possibly other criteria that I am not aware of. It makes me sad they are not sitting on the shelves for perusal as they are sure to be missed this way. I have had many colleagues attend there to retrieve books on this topic!

This was very straight forward, full of a lot of easy to digest information, presented in an easy to read format and excellent pictures. The book also had an excellent, detailed yet easy to use index system, referencing every item quoted.

Lots of interesting facts I’d not considered, such as the amazing rescue dogs. Vets on the scene to provide treatment for dehydration, paw burns from hours of work on bloody paws and burning eyes. Volunteers sewed 1500 heavy duty paw boots, to enable work to continue without serious injury. A story of one animal returning with a torn teddy. Dogs were not accustomed to fruitless searching so trainers would hide under blankets to enable a successful find; positive reinforcement was important. The dogs needed lots of cuddles with the handlers needing to stay upbeat for their dogs – but this was so hard for the humans.

9/11 was a 'severe clear' day, a phrase pilots used because of its 'seemingly infinte visibility'. This was not meant to be for long. This is quite eerie. It was said that the impacts of the aircraft hitting the buildings was sensed before it was heard. Dogs sensed danger lifting their heads, and a man 15 blocks away was startled by a huge flock of pigeons acting terrified out of the blue.

Of course, there is the blatant information that still chills me, of bin Laden. ..it was a holy duty for Muslims to kill Americans-civilians included… we love this kind of death for Allah’s cause as much as you like to live.

For the FBI and the number of leads following – these figures were amazing. 7000 agents working, 63,232 leads in the first week, 149,985 the following week.

The word ramshackle was used in relation to airport security pre 9/11. For for unknown bombers to ‘rip a hole in the heart of America’s financial and military power’ was so worrying.

Imagine this, I would not have thought of it in such terms. The most practical source of security on the planes are the passengers themselves. A few days after 9/11 a pilot reminded his passengers if there was a threat everyone stand up and immediately throw things at the person-pillows, books, magazines, eye glasses, shoes, anything that will throw him off balance. Most important: get a blanket over him, then wrestle him to the floor and keep him there.. Remember.. there will be one of him and maybe a few confederates, but there are 200 of you. You can overwhelm them.

And we did see that kind of bravery, where strangers on that day tried their very best.

There is another book to this series which I have borrowed, so on to that next. I recommended this for younger readers (primary), or anyone keen to learn more. Especially good for younger readers who were not alive for this life changing event.

[dominic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informitive book, about one of the most tragic accidents america has expierenced. Documents details very well, compared to other 9/11 books I have seen or read. If you read this book, you will likely have no questions about 9/11, as I came into this book with lots of questions, and came out with none. Would reccomend to people looking for more information about nine eleven. Could be improved a little bit, to be more engaging, but it deserves a solid 4/5.

[Cathlina Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written book with an interesting perspective: since it was published in 2002, the information is very of-the-moment without the perspective of the following years. I learned several details I've never heard before, and the quotes from everyday people made it feel as if we were right back in those weeks after the attacks. When the book was published, the bulldozers were still working at Ground Zero, and Osama bin Laden was still just a suspect.

One woman was quoted as saying about the new security measures at the airports, "I think that's invasive. It's really treating everyone as a criminal. I know people might put up with it for a month or so at the airports, but I don't think people will be patient for long." If she only knew that those security measures would remain the new normal for over 20 years.