How do you find hope in a world torn apart by violence? One boy in the North Tower and one girl in an Afghan village are about to find out.
Alan Gratz’s “Ground Zero” is a gripping middle-grade novel that intertwines two heart-stopping narratives separated by 18 years. The story alternates between Brandon, a 9-year-old boy trapped in the North Tower during the 9/11 attacks, and Reshmina, an Afghan girl in 2019 who risks her safety to aid a wounded American soldier during a Taliban assault. Gratz masterfully connects their experiences, showing how the aftermath of terrorism reverberates across generations and borders. Brandon’s fight for survival navigating smoke-filled stairwells and collapsing floors mirrors Reshmina’s struggle to protect her family while questioning the cycle of violence in her war-torn village. The novel has earned critical acclaim, including a Newbery Honor, a Sibert Honor, and the Kirkus Prize, praised for its unflinching yet age-appropriate portrayal of trauma and resilience.
This book is a standout resource for teaching SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as it examines how systemic failures and collective trauma shape global conflicts. Brandon’s story underscores the breakdown of safety during crises, while Reshmina’s narrative highlights the consequences of weak governance and external intervention. For IB learners, the reflective trait emerges as students analyze how Both characters grapple with moral choices (Reshmina’s decision to help Taz despite Taliban threats and Brandon’s cooperation with strangers to escape the towers), embody Reflective and Thoughtful action.
Educators can use dual-timeline discussions to compare historical and modern institutional responses to terrorism, or host debates on ethical dilemmas like “Should Reshmina have turned Taz away?” Pair chapters with current events on post-2021 Afghanistan to explore how peace requires more than military action. Gratz’s author’s note, which details his research and interviews, provides a springboard for projects on oral histories. By framing tough questions about justice and accountability, “Ground Zero” empowers students to reflect on their role in fostering equitable systems one courageous choice at a time.
