Sunday, September 11, 2016

ARE YOU LISTENING? TOWERS FALLING: A REVIEW

WELCOME TO BOOKIN' WITH BINGO'S" 
ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY" 
I AM EXCITED TO SHARE WITH YOU ABOUT 
THIS RECENT AUDIO BOOK I RECEIVED
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  TOWERS FALLING
NARRATED BY JEWELL PARKER RHODES
 BY JEWELL PARKER RHODES

ABOUT THE AUDIO BOOK:
From award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes, a powerful novel set fifteen years after the 9/11 attacks.

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, Deja 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jewell Parker Rhodes is an award-winning writer and acclaimed educator and speaker. She is the author of Ninth Ward, a Coretta Scott King honor book, Sugar, winner of the Jane Adams Peace Association book award, and Bayou Magic. She has also written many award-winning books for adults

PRAISE FOR TOWERS FALLING:
"History made personal--and what a person! Deja's voice is real and memorable, her compelling story one of hope unmarred by sentimentality."(Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author).

"This tender retelling of tragedy is a solid vessel to help young readers understand the gravity of 9/11 and how it touches all Americans, no matter where we come from. "(Kirkus Reviews).

"This is a welcome contribution to children's literature." (School Library Journal).

"Rhodes approaches a complex, painful topic with insight and grace, providing context to an event distant to the book's audience." (Publishers Weekly).

SOME OTHER BOOKS BY JEWEL PARKER RHODES:
                        
MY FEELINGS/REVIEW:
As a retired reading teacher of 38 years, I found this to be a wonderful story that I would definitely recommend to teachers of upper elementary and middle school. As adults, we often forget that these children weren't alive during 9/11 and so what happened has to be explained as it impacts their lives today. Deja's story is one that everyone can relate to but especially young people. They have as many questions as Deja does and so by listening to this well developed narrative based on the history surrounding that time, readers will have a better understanding from the perspective of all ages. I also know that as an adult, I found the story so well written with well fleshed out characters that I couldn't stop listening. I did not feel like I was listening to a "kids' book" and intend to share it with my grandchildren as they get a little older.  
 

2 comments:

Steve Capell said...

You have a GREAT point that most children were not even born when this horrific event occurred; however, I do feel authors that take up the challenge can help future readers understand. I think back of all the books that have been written about Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the Titanic. History is preserved and read through the words of many authors. Thanks for your review.

Carol N Wong said...

Great review! Good to share this one with your grandkids.

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