Ground Zero
Alan Gratz
Readers rate it 4.5 (18 on Hardcover)
- Pages
- 320 pages
- Published
- 2021
Content report card
What's inside
Violence
Fighting, weapons, death
Language
Swearing, crude humor
Sexual content
Romance intensity, nudity
LGBTQ+ themes
Presence of characters or themes
Scary or mature
Horror, trauma, heavy themes
Substance use
Alcohol, drugs, smoking
What it offers
Positive messages
Kindness, courage, honesty, resilience
Positive role models
Characters who model good judgment and growth
Educational value
History, science, culture, how the world works
A note for parents
Ground Zero handles the September 11 attacks and modern warfare with historical gravity, depicting violence, death, and trauma appropriate to its subject matter without glorification. The dual narrative structure connects 9/11 and the War on Terror through two young protagonists facing impossible choices, emphasizing empathy, courage, and moral complexity. While emotionally intense and occasionally frightening, the book rewards compassion and critical thinking about fear and revenge. Best suited for mature middle-grade and early teen readers who can engage thoughtfully with recent history and its human cost.
Analyzed by AI · 1 hour ago
Parent age guide
Is “Ground Zero” right for your kid?
Ready from about age 13.
From about 10, okay with a grown-up nearby.
For younger readers
- Violence is strong (4/5) — a bit much at 12; fine with a grown-up nearby.
- Scary or mature content is strong (4/5) — a bit much at 12; fine with a grown-up nearby.
Based on this book's content report card and typical guidance by age. You know your reader best.
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From the publisher
In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor... In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive -- and escape? September 11, 2020, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz -- and put herself and her family in mortal danger? Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.
Shelved under
- Juvenile Fiction
- Plot driven
- Strong Character Development
- Loveable Characters
- Diverse Characters
- challenging
- dark
- emotional
- informative
- tense
- Young Adult
- Adventure
ISBN 9781338245752 · Scholastic Press