Ground Zero

ADD TO MY SHELVES
Recommend book

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.

Acclaimed 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, 2019, 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.

Accelerated Reading Level 4.8

ADD TO MY SHELVES
Recommend book

BUY THE BOOK

Published Feb 2, 2021

336 pages

Average rating: 8.91

23 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

Write a review...
BrandeeD
Dec 10, 2025
10/10 stars
OMG!!!! What a phenomenal read! Now I understand why my students are obsessed with Alan Gratz books. These two stories take the reader on such an emotional rollercoaster. Because the chapters flip flop between the two characters, it is even harder to put it down because you want to know what happens with each character. So many cliffhangers! However, the ending is what brought me to tears. Such a beautiful way to bring it all together and really show the power of strength and perseverance! Having only been 9 when 9/11 happened and reading this on the 20th anniversary, I feel like I was reliving it in a way but through a much different perspective! Even though it is a sensitive topic for some, I would recommend this book to anyone because whether you saw it live or were born after, you will learn new things and gain a new perspective for sure!
ic_reactions.svg
novelishdelish
Dec 11, 2024
10/10 stars
Yet another amazing read by Alan Gratz. Ground Zero goes between Brandon, a young boy trying to escape the north tower on 9/11, and a young girl living in Afghanistan in 2019 torn between the Taliban and US/Afghan forces at war. Be prepared for some heart wrenching details and to not want to put the book down!
ic_reactions.svg
aserra3113
Oct 30, 2024
10/10 stars
I loved this book. Of course historical fiction and the story was based off of the attack of 9/11. But I suggest this book for people who like cliff hangers. Please read this book. It will be a book you won't forget. Enjoy ❤️
ic_reactions.svg
Lilalu
Jun 14, 2022
10/10 stars
This book got close to home but I think it is a great way to let kids know about what went down on September 11 2001 and in the years that followed.
ic_reactions.svg

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.

CREATE YOUR CLUB

More books by this author

Refugee
Ban This Book: A Novel
Prisoner B-3087
Projekt 1065: A Novel of World War II