September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed America

Describes the events and immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, in which planes were crashed into the Twin Towers buildings in New York City as well as into the Pentagon building near Washington, D.C.

Grade 3-5-Sturdily bound in red, white, and blue, these titles open a 12-volume series with quick scans of the events of 9 11 and their immediate aftermath, along with inspiring anecdotes from survivors, and tributes to rescue workers. Wheeler's introductory account takes the broadest view, beginning with a riveting sequence of full-page photos depicting the World Trade Center burning and in ruins, fleeing pedestrians, and a wall of "missing person" notices, then going on to describe the fate of all four hijacked flights, rescue clean-up operations, and the genesis of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ground Zero pauses for a slightly closer look at the WTC's destruction, and Heroes of the Day focuses on people, from passengers aboard the flights to uniformed rescue workers, as well as the trained dogs that are working with the latter. The level of detail is not deep, but the authors usually distinguish between facts and speculation, and their narratives are enhanced by plenty of big, clear, color photos. Despite signs of a rush to publication, including recurring pictures and misused words, these titles will help younger readers toward a basic understanding of what happened on that day, if not its causes. Smaller or financially strapped libraries will find Wheeler's overview alone a satisfactory alternative to the entire, pricey series.
John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reviewed with John Hamilton's Weapons of War.

Gr. 4-7. The War on Terrorism series presents topics related to the terrorist attacks and weaponry. In Weapons of War (not to be confused with Hamilton's earlier book for ABDO with the same title, published in 2000), Hamilton introduces the fighter planes, bombers, helicopters, support aircraft, bombs, missiles, ships, and ground vehicles available to the U.S. military in Afghanistan. Clear and well focused, this highly accessible text delivers the basic facts and the advantages of various craft. Excellent color photos show more than a dozen different planes, as well as five helicopters and other major weapons in use. The book closes with a glossary and a list of Web sites related to the armed forces. September 11, 2001 offers an overview of the terrorist attacks that occurred on that day. The tone of the writing is matter-of-fact, and the color photos illustrate the text effectively. The final spread, "You Can Make a Difference," briefly introduces organizations accepting donations for victims and their families and suggests a Web site promoting tolerance. A glossary and a "Timeline of Terror, 9-11-01" are appended. Carolyn Phelan
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