Welcome to Litsy!

The skyline's changed. The two rectangular towers in the photo are gone, replaced by one glittering tower with a pointy top pricking the sky.

Students can explore themes of perseverance, empathy, and shared history as they follow Deja on her quest to learn about 9/11 and its impact on her family and community. This book helps with talks about how historical events impact individual lives and the world around us. Students who engage with Deja's story can have a greater understanding of the connections between history and their own lives.

Jewell Parker Rhodes' Towers Falling expertly combines fact and fiction, mixing 9/11 history with a contemporary, emotionally charged narrative. Rhodes brings history to life in a personal and sympathetic way by following Deja, a fifth-grader who is investigating the tragedy's impact on her family and neighborhood. The detailed descriptions of New York City's skyline, both past and present, give the story a strong sense of place and loss.

Granted I was in 8th grade when the tragedy of September 11, 2001 happened and was sheltered from much of the news but I had never heard of Gander, Newfoundland in any other historical context even as an adult let alone the hospitality the community shared with so many when American Air Space was shut down grounding flights for days.

Thanks to @Megabooks for posting about Kim Hooper - this was SO very good. What a debut! Based on this, I‘m determined now to read everything she‘s written. ♥️

“For a moment, the sky belonged to him alone.”

“A daring feat that captures the spirit of adventure and possibility.“

This breathtaking story of Philippe Petit‘s daring tightrope walk between the Twin Towers is a tribute to creativity, determination, and living life with boldness.

I‘m posting one book a day from my massive collection. No description, no reason for why I want to read it (some I‘ve had so long I don‘t even remember why!). Feel free to join in!

#ABookADay2024

Nonfiction - Published in 2003. 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.