Towers Falling
When her fifth-grade teacher hints that a series of lessons about home and community will culminate with one big answer about two tall towers once visible outside their classroom window, Dèja can't help but feel confused. She sets off on a journey of discovery, with new friends Ben and Sabeen by her side. But just as she gets closer to answering big questions about who she is, what America means, and how communities can grow (and heal), she uncovers new questions, too. Like, why does Pop get so angry when she brings up anything about the towers?
Award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes tells a powerful story about young people who weren't alive to witness this defining moment in history, but begin to realize how much it colors their every day.
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a powerful and moving young adult novel that tells the story of two siblings, 12-year-old Deja and her younger brother Shawn, who are caught in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Deja and Shawn are visiting their father, a firefighter, at his firehouse when the planes hit the Twin Towers. They watch in horror as the towers collapse, and their father is killed in the line of duty. Deja and Shawn are left alone and must navigate the chaotic and dangerous streets of New York City in search of safety.
Along the way, they meet a diverse cast of characters who help and hinder them on their journey. There's Sal, a gruff but kind-hearted taxi driver; Officer Martinez, a police officer who is determined to protect the city; and Ms. Jones, a schoolteacher who takes Deja and Shawn under her wing.
As Deja and Shawn face the challenges of their new reality, they learn about resilience, hope, and the importance of community. They also come to terms with their grief and loss, and find a way to move forward with their lives.
Towers Falling is a must-read for young adults and adults alike. It is a powerful and moving story about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
Here are some additional content ideas for your website:
*An interview with Jewell Parker Rhodes about the book and her inspiration for writing it.
*A book club discussion guide for Towers Falling.
*A list of other books and resources about 9/11 for young adults.
*A blog post about the importance of teaching young people about the events of 9/11.
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