Sneak Peek: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

Welcome to this month’s featured book from our Mother-Son Book Club Guide! We’re thrilled to share a story that’s sure to spark meaningful conversations and fun activities for you and your son.

Book Summary: On September 11, 2001, nine-year-old Brandon accompanies his father to work at the World Trade Center. When Brandon sneaks away to the shopping center, the tower is struck by a plane, separating Brandon from his dad and thrusting him into a fight for his life. In 2019, eleven-year-old Reshmina lives in a remote Afghan village caught between the Taliban and American forces. When she chooses to help a wounded American soldier, she puts her entire village in danger and must make an unthinkable sacrifice to protect her family. Through alternating chapters, Ground Zero explores courage, survival, and the far-reaching complexities and consequences of war. 

Gratz, Alan. Ground Zero. New York: Scholastic Press, 2021.

Discussion Question: Brandon changes a lot throughout the book. How does he change from the morning train ride to his escape from the towers? After Reshmina rescues him? After Reshmina’s village is destroyed?

Snack Idea: Bananas and pink grapefruit: Eat foods to match the smells that led Brandon out of the underground mall

Activity Idea: Family Stories: Interview family members about where they were on 9/11 and what their experience was like. Record their responses and share the stories with the group!

Want to dive deeper into Ground Zero and enjoy more activities, questions, and insights? Access our full Mother-Son Book Club Guide and make your reading experience unforgettable. Click HERE to grab your copy!