“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.”
—President Obama

Teaching about a day like September 11, 2001 can be challenging. Although many of us remember what we were doing and where we were on that day, it’s not easy to think of exactly the right things to say about it. When I struggle to find the words to explain difficult topics to my own children or my students, I turn to books. 

These children’s books are sensitive and thoughtfully written. I’ve also included additional links that provide suggestions for extending the learning. I hope you find these resources helpful. 

September 12th: We Knew Everything Would be All Right

This is a beautiful and touching book by 1st graders at Masterson Elementary School in Kennet, Missouri, about the day after the tragic events of September 11th. On September 11th horrific events occurred, yet through the simple text and vibrant art of first graders, we are reminded that the world continued the next day.

Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey

The John J. Harvey fireboat was the largest, fastest, shiniest fireboat of its time, but by 1995, the city didn't need old fireboats anymore. So the Harvey retired, until a group of friends decided to save it from the scrap heap. Then, one sunny September day in 2001, something so horrible happened that the whole world shook. And a call came from the fire department, asking if the Harvey could battle the roaring flames. In this inspiring true story, Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life and proves that old heroes never die.

Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree

The journey of the Callery pear tree rescued from Ground Zero and replanted ten years later is presented alongside a wordless story following a girl and her firefighter uncle who is a 9/11 hero.

30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag

This book shines a light on the true spirit and resilience of the United States. 30,000 Stitches follows the story of the threadbare American flag that flew over Ground Zero and then criss-crossed the country as it was repaired, visiting communities facing adversity. Finding the unrelenting resilience in the face of tragedy, Amanda Davis and Sally Wern Comport created a true tribute for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.

The Man in the Red Bandanna

When Welles Crowther was a young boy, his father gave him a red bandanna, which he always carried with him. On September 11, 2001, Welles Remy Crowther saved numerous people from the upper floors of the World Trade Center South Tower. "The Man in the Red Bandanna" recounts and celebrates his heroism on that day.

What Were the Twin Towers? ( What Was?)

When the Twin Towers were built in 1973, they were known as an architectural wonder. At 1,368 feet, they were the tallest buildings in the world and changed the New York City skyline dramatically. Offices and corporations moved into the towers—also known as the World Trade Center—and the buildings were seen as the economic hub of the world. But on September 11, 2001, a terrorist attack destroyed the towers and changed our nation forever. This book tells the whole story of the Twin Towers—from their ambitious construction to their tragic end.

14 Cows for America

This New York Times Best Seller, now-classic picture book, tells the true story of a touching gift bestowed on the United States by a tribe of Maasai Warriors after the September 11th attacks. The moral of the story is “To heal a sorrowing heart, give something that is dear to your own.”

Saved by the Boats: The Heroic Sea Evacuation of September 11

Although September 11, 2001 was a black day in U.S. history, sea captains and crews raced by boat to the tragic Manhattan scene in the midst of all the chaos. Nearly 500,000 people on Manhattan Island were rescued that day in what would later be called the largest sea evacuation in history. In this rarely told story of heroism, we can truly see how in our darkest hours, people shine brightly as a beacon of hope.

National Geographic Readers: September 11 (Level 3)

With beautiful, engaging photographs and sensitive, age-appropriate text, this Level 3 reader recounts the shocking attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania, explains who was behind the attacks, and celebrates the spirit of hope that emerged through the inspiring story of rescue and recovery and the heroes who raced to save lives.

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing, and performing high-wire tricks a quarter mile in the sky. This amazing picture book captures the poetry and magic of the event with a poetry of its own: lyrical words and lovely paintings that present the detail, daring, and drama of Petit's feat.

Extending the Learning:

Talking to Children About Terrorism

Tips for Talking to Children at Different Ages

9/11 Interactive Timeline

Activities for Elementary Students

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit the blog today.

If you would like to connect further, go ahead and leave a comment on this post or reach out via email. I will get back to you in a timely fashion.

Yours truly,

Jennifer