Some topics are more difficult to teach about than others. The events surrounding September 11, 2001 are definitely one of those. For topics like these, sometimes it’s best to start off with a book that can introduce the topic to our students. Then, we can elaborate from there. Here is a list of September 11 books for elementary students that touch upon different aspects surrounding the events of September 11th.
Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, please read the stories before introducing them to your students. You know your students best and will be able to properly gauge what texts will work best for them.
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Did you know that there was a damaged tree found amongst the rubble that was still living? It’s true! It was a Callery pear tree. It became known as the “Survivor Tree,” and it has become a symbol of hope and resilience. This tree has also become the focus of several picture books.
The books based on the Survivor Tree do not specifically mention what caused the buildings to fall. The reader would need to have prior knowledge to understand why they fell. These books do however have Author’s Notes and some a section at the end that does have some brief history.
1. The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story
This book, The Survivor Tree, written by Cheryl Somers Aubin was first published in 2011. It is written with great details and discusses how the tree was taken to a nursery outside of the city to be cared for. Over the years, the tree kept its scars but grew big and strong. It was returned to New York where it now has a special spot on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza.
2. This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth
Another book centering around the tree is This Very Tree. It is written through the point of view of the tree.
Because this book is written in first person, it can also be incorporated easily into a reading lesson on Author’s Point of View by comparing it and contrasting it to another picture book about the tree.
3. Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree
Branches of Hope is a much shorter book than the two previous books. There are also some wordless pages with illustrations that the reader must infer about. It tells the story of how the tree was found in the rubble. It was taken away where it grew for over a decade. Throughout the pages, you see illustrations of a little girl that grows up. At the end, you see her dressed up in a firefighter outfit standing next to the tree.
Because the book is short and does not give many facts about the tragic events that lead to the towers falling, this book seems to be for a younger audience. However, it can be a great tool to help integrate social studies and ELA by having students write text to go with the illustrations included.
4. Survivor Tree
The last book I found that focuses on the tree is titled Survivor Tree and is written by Marcie Colleen. The illustrations are stunning and the colors are mesmerizing. The book uses nature’s cycle of colors to reflect on hope and healing.
5. The Little Chapel That Stood
Just like the previous books mentioned, The Little Chapel That Stood, is another book about hope and resilience. It focuses on a little chapel located across the street from the World Trade Center. While all other buildings fell or were severely damaged, this little chapel stood without even a window cracking.
The following two books focus on how boats came to the rescue during the tragic events of September 11th.
6. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey
Fireboat tells the story of an old retired boat called Harvey. On September 11th, the Harvey was called upon to help put out fires caused by the attacks since many of the fire hydrants were broken. This book shows that you can count on old heroes to help out.
7. Saved by the Boats: The Heroic Sea Evacuation of September 11
The second book I found that discusses how boats helped on September 11th is Saved by the Boats. It explains how boats came from everywhere to help evacuate those trapped on the coastline trying to run from the smoke and ashes that had resulted from the buildings collapsing.
8. The Man in the Red Bandanna
Another book about about a helper is The Man in the Red Bandanna. It tells the story of a true hero, a man named Welles, who took several trips through the staircase leading people to safety. Unfortunately, he lost his life when the building he was in collapsed. Welles’ story became known from survivors who told of a man wearing a red bandanna who saved their lives and is written by his sister.
The following books focus on kindness and empathy. They tell the stories of out-of-towners who witness the events and present gifts as acts of kindness.
9. 14 Cows for America
14 Cows for America, is available on GetEpic.com if you have an account set up for your class. This book is the story of Kimeli who returns to tribe in Kenya from New York. He tells them the story of what happened in New York in September. When the story ends, a great silence falls amongst his people. They are moved to kindness and an elder speaks. As a cow passes by, they realize that cow is life to them. The tribe sends word to the embassy who then sends a diplomat to them. They provide the diplomat with a ceremony and offer him 14 cows for America. A note from Kimeli is included that tells his story of September 11.
10. September Roses
The next story of kindness is September Roses. It tells the story of two sisters from South Africa that flew into New York on the morning of September 11. The women were heading to a flower convention and brought with them 2,400 roses. All of a sudden, the sisters found themselves stranded in the city with thousands roses. When someone gave them a place to stay for the night, they wanted to find a way to repay the kindness. They took the roses to Union Square and placed them one by one on an open area they found.
11. America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell
This book, America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell, is definitely for the older grades and gives extremely detailed accounts about the events that occurred that day.
12. 30,000 Stitches
When you are choosing September 11 books for elementary students, you want to incorporate inspiring books.
30,000 Stitches is such a beautiful book about the true story of the flag found at Ground Zero. The flag hung tattered at Ground Zero for a few weeks. Then, it was taken down and put away in storage for over 7 years. Finally, the flag was pulled out of storage and sent across all 50 states to be repaired. The flag was patched with old retired flags and even a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on when he was shot.
This book takes you on the journey that ends with the flag finally resting in the National September 11 Museum.
If you’d like to share the back story of this book, you can check out this interview with Amanda Davis.
13. Seven and Half Tons of Steel
Similar to 30,000 Stitches, this book is one I recently heard about and focuses on something being repurposed. Seven and Half Tons of Steel is a moving story about a World Trade Center beam that was repurposed into a bow for a navy ship. Not only is the text powerful, but the illustrations are stunning and impactful. It is a story of patriotism that also shows how something remarkable can come from something so tragic.
If you found this list of September 11 books for elementary students helpful, you may want to check out the other book lists available.
