How do you explain to your children about complicated world events like September 11th?
Here is a list of picture books to help children understand the events from award-winning authors and illustrators. These books for children of all ages include nonfictional firsthand stories and fictional stories that live on teacher and family book lists all over the states!
1. 30,000 Stitches by Amanda Davis
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of how the American flag flew over Ground Zero and all over America to bring hope into people's lives again. Learn about the history of the flag and how a powerful symbol could heal and capture the hearts of people.
Learn more: Amazon
2. Sirius, the hero dog of 9/11
"Sirius" is the true story of a brave dog who patrolled the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. This story is told from the perspective of Sirius and shows the power of friendship and courage. While Sirius does die rescuing others, author Hank fellows tell the story in a humane and triumphant way.
Learn more: Amazon
3. Otto's Tales: Today is September 11th
Otto the bulldog and his best friend go on an adventure to learn about the tragic attack in history. The illustration and writing of this book are optimistic and instill a patriotic feeling in young readers!
Learn more: Amazon
4. "This Very Tree" by Sean Rubin
The beautifully illustrated book tells the story of 9/11 and regrowth. Told from the perspective of a resilient Callery pear tree that survived, award-winning illustrator Sean Rubin teaches children about how the darkest events can make us into strong people.
Learn more: Amazon
5. I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience
This award-winning team teaches children about the power of having courage and is a great accompaniment to the stories about 9/11. Susan Verde empowers children to cultivate perseverance and a resilient attitude through the story of a courageous girl.
Learn more: Amazon
6. National Geographic Readers: September 11 (Level 3) by Libby Romero
This National Geographic Kids classic captures age-appropriate pictures and text that discuss the tragic event of 9/11. The focus is on the heroes and stories of hope that emerged during this pivotal moment.
Learn more: Amazon
7. Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree
This hopeful story about The Survivor Tree found at Ground Zero is a tribute to New York City and its courageous and resilient people. The tree was rehabilitated and replanted at the Memorial and shows how important it is for people to stick together in tough times.
Learn more: Amazon
8. September 11 Then and Now (A True Book: Disasters) by Peter Benoit
This powerful series shows the events that led up to the horrific event and explore how this historical moment has changed the world.
Learn more: Amazon
9. All We Have Left by Wendy Mills
This poignant picture book weaves interconnected stories told from various perspectives about the devastating event. It follows 16-year-old Jesse as she grieves the loss of her brother and 16-year-old Alia, a proud Muslim, who is coping with the challenging event in history. The stories weave together to talk about how different people grieve tragic events and how coming together can help us heal. Perfect for children in middle school!
Learn more: Amazon
10. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
On September 11, 2001, young Brandon visits his dad in the World Trade Center when the unthinkable happens. This informational picture book and #1 New York Times bestseller illustrates the pivotal moment and aftermath in an engaging and unforgettable way. A perfect read for middle-grade students.
Learn more: Amazon
11. The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story
This picturesque story about the blossoming green leaves of the Callery Pear Tree teaches children about how beauty can emerge from darkness. Cheryl Aubin likens the symbolism of a resilient tree to the human spirit.
Learn more: Amazon
12. In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, and Years after the 9/11 Attacks by Don Brown
This heartfelt graphic novel illustrates the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Don Brown tells the story from a journalistic lens. Perfect for older kids!
Learn more: Amazon
13. September 11, 2001: A Simple Account for Children by Nancy Poffenberger Val Gottesman
Nancy Poffenberger gives a simple and honest account of the September 11th attacks for younger children to read.
Learn more: Amazon
14. Miracle of Little Tree: The 9/11 Survivor Tree's Incredible Story by Linda S. Foster and illustrated by Alicia Young
Miracle of Little Tree beautifully illustrates how resilience and loving support can create surprising and powerful results! A perfect family read.
Learn more: Amazon
15. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes teaches young children who weren't alive to remember the event and how this moment changed history. She beautifully explains this through the story of a 5th-grade teacher who creates lessons about the experience. This picture book captures the gravity of the event with an optimistic spirit.
Learn more: Amazon
16. What Were the Twin Towers? (What Was?) by Jim O'Connor
Jim O'Connor's realistic picture book answers the question "what were the twin towers" and what happened to them?
Learn more: Amazon
17. The Man in the Red Bandanna by Honor Crowther Fagan
"The Man in the Red Bandanna," tells the true powerful story of a brave man that rescued numerous people from the upper floors on that fateful day. It's an account that will inspire your children to be courageous.
Learn more: Amazon
18. Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park
An award-winning Barbara Park teaches kids about grief after a tragedy. A young girl tells her personal story about a classmate passing away. She learns how to cope with sadness and grief. A great story to promote healthy coping strategies after learning about or experiencing difficult events.
Learn more: Amazon
19. It's Okay to Ask: A Book to Promote Kids Critical Thinking! by Temi Díaz
Author Temi Díaz teaches children to think critically and ask questions about the world. A young, inquisitive boy goes on a journey to get his questions answered. A great book to help children think critically, seek truth and trust themselves. This book can be used for children to develop their own questions about September 11th and other tragic events.
Learn more: Amazon
20 Fun-filled Children’s Activity Books 