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Towers Falling
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
From award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes, a powerful novel set fifteen years after the 9/11 attacks. When her fifth-grade teacher hints that a series of lessons about home and community will culminate with one big answer about two tall towers once visible outside their classroom window, Deja can't help but feel confused. She sets off on a journey of discovery, with new friends Ben and Sabeen by her side. But just as she gets closer to answering big questions about who she is, what America means, and how communities can grow (and heal), she uncovers new questions, too. Like, why does Pop get so angry when she brings up anything about the towers? Award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes tells a powerful story about young people who weren't alive to witness this defining moment in history, but begin to realize how much it colors their every day.
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shadowsdogs
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this novel. Talked about the history of 9/11 on a level children can understand while being honest and direct about the impact it has on the country, the people, and the world.

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JoeMo
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

This book takes a unique approach to introducing the events of 9/11 to young readers. It tells the story of Deja, as she starts attending a new school. She makes friends and starts to build a better understanding of what it means to be part of a family and community. She also gradually learns about what happened on 9/11, her father‘s connection to that day, and why he‘s been so secretive about it.

#bookspinbingo

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3y
Strawheart_Mila I loved it. I have my own copy! I‘ve read it and share it with my cousins who are in middle school, too. 3y
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TheBookHippie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Q84
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3y
TheSpineView 😍📚🤩 3y
Clwojick 💚❄️Way to go!❄️💚 3y
60 likes4 comments
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Lovesbooks87
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

This middle grade novel broke my heart. Deja is starting at a new school in a new neighborhood. Deja knows that her home life is different from her classmates and friends. But when she has to do an assignment about the two towers that are missing from the skyline outside of her classroom windows. She learns the heartbreaking truth about 9/11 and how her father was there on that awful day.

#bookspinbingo #doublebookspin

TheAromaofBooks I love that cover, too! 3y
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Hestapleton
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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This was such a difficult story to read right now but such an important story. For so many now, there is no world before 9/11. Dejá has to figure out what‘s her connection to 9/11 and the way it impacts her life, even though it happened before she was born. Makes me wonder about the COVID equivalent one day. “She says people helping people made her feel safe again. Strong.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book 20/24 for #bfc28 and 2/6 for #easterextravaganza

alisiakae My daughter just read this in March. Part of me feels really odd to hear her call this historical fiction! Another good one is 4y
Hestapleton @4thhouseontheleft stacking! I was only 6 when 9/11 happened and homeschooled, so I have no memory of the actual day. It‘s weird having more in common with some of these mg protagonists, but still really neat to see part of my experience reflected in children (never really knowing a world without terrorism). 4y
Andrew65 Sounds interesting but challenging to read at the same time well done on completing. 4y
68 likes3 comments
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alisiakae
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Tagged book is Maya‘s first book complete during our break-but-not-a-break from school. No book picture, instead here is our social distancing outdoor adventure.

She loved this book, and Rhodes is becoming a favorite author.

Today‘s activities also included making a stop animation video, vocab practice, and Statistics on Khan Academy.

Day 1 in the books! #coronavirus #covid19 #keepLitsyPositive

Soubhiville Aw, I love snakes. I‘m glad you shared that photo. 4y
audraelizabeth I remember being the first one wanting to touch the black rat snake the dnr officer brought to outdoor ed camp. 4y
AlaMich Ohhh, statistics...i had that at 8 am in grad school, and trust me, that was NOT a good combo. 4y
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Caroline2 Awesome!! Sounds like you‘re doing great! Well done! 👍 4y
Cathythoughts Lovely pic of you two ❤️ 4y
Kenyazero This is awesome! Question about the stop motion video, would you be interested in sharing it for a web project I'm pulling together to collect creative work people are making during the pandemic? 4y
106 likes6 comments
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kelseymccormick
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Towers Falling (RF) is a touching story for upper elementary (LC). The story is set in Brooklyn, New York. Read along as fifth-grader Deja, sets out on an adventure to learn more about the towers and September 11, 2001. The information is written elegantly and is comprehensible for students. #LAE3414SP19

kelseymccormick http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/children/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Towers-Falling... This resource provides an educators guide to the powerful novel. 5y
kelseymccormick This aligns with ESOL strategy #2 Promote cooperation (small groups) and UDL Foster collaboration and community (8.3) 5y
JessicaRosell I added this book to my to-be-read pile! It's crazy to me that students and I was learning about this in school when it happened when I was alive, when I was younger in elementary school. I also love the research project, that is in your resource. Great post! Thank you for adding! 5y
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Kcallihan This book seemed like such a great way to teach students about our history while still keeping it on their comprehension level! Good job!! 5y
Channing_Austin @kelseymccormick I am definitely adding this book to my TBR pile! Just glancing over your resource I think it is a great one! 5y
DrSpalding Wonderful post with excellent feedback. 5y
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MGrace15
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Towers Falling (RF) by Jewel Parker Rhodes is about a fifth grade girl who goes an a journey to discover herself as well as our country. She also learns about the tragic day in 2001. This novel is the perfect IR for classes, especially during September. It is such a good read! UDL 9.3 Develop self-assessment and reflection. EL Strategy 49 Give students pre-lexicon assignments when introducing new topics.
#LAE3414SP19

MGrace15 http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/children/teaching-guide-towers-falling/ is the website for the book which has a 13 page guide. 5y
Olsonashley19 After Dr. Spalding read about this book in class I've wanted to read it! Thanks for sharing :) 5y
MGrace15 @olsonashley19 Absolutely! That‘s how I found out about it as well! 5y
DrSpalding This is an excellent book and you used the authors website as your resource. This is high-quality. 5y
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SofiaRoselli
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

I would use this historical fiction novel for a literature circle in my classroom. Deja can‘t help but feel confused when her fifth grade teacher is teaching a series of lessons about how community will have one big answer about two tall towers ones visible outside the classroom windows. As she gets closer to answering questions about herself, what America means, and how communities can grow and heal, she discovers new questions too.

SofiaRoselli This story map I found my lesson plan but a lot of students to better organize characters and events in the story to get a better understanding of the novel. By making this book a literature circle read, I am using ESOL strategy two, promote cooperation through small groups. The graphic organizer for my lesson plan would cover you UDL strategy 3.2, which is, highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships.#lae3414sp19 (edited) 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Ladies I am soooooooo sorry to have missed out on our discussion. I usually wait until the next day to respond. Well my son had a big hockey game Monday night and ended up getting a concussion. 😥 He's doing fine, but that took over most of the week then I ended up sick by the end of the week. 😷 We are all back on track now! Thank you for yet again having another incredibly thoughtful discussion. I really enjoyed everyone's thoughts.

sblbooks I'm glad to hear your son is recovering. 5y
megnews I missed you in the conversation but understand. That‘s scary and I‘m glad to hear your son is doing better! 5y
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Peddler410 That‘s no small life detour! Glad he‘s doing okay. My daughter‘s friend hit her head in a sledding accident. By the time they got home, she didn‘t remember why we were coming over. Scary stuff! 5y
Lmstraubie @Peddler410 I know!! I hope your friend's daughter is doing better. 5y
mrp27 Glad your son is better. 5y
JaclynW No worries! Life happens. I'm sorry you had such a rough week. I'm glad to hear that both you and your son are doing better. Take care! ❤ 5y
Lmstraubie @mrp27 Thank you 🙂 I didn't realize what a personal experience this was for you. Thank you for your insights and heartfelt sharing. 5y
Lmstraubie @JaclynW Thank you! 🙂 5y
mrp27 @Lmstraubie You're welcome. It's been many years and sometimes I surprise myself with all the emotions I still have. 5y
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Peddler410
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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This photo was taken summer of 2014, just before our girl started kinder. Such a somber experience; our girl was prepared for the museum visit by watching documentaries with us beforehand. We also visited the Pennsylvania site. Photo credit: my husband, Tom.

#mgbuddyread

Peddler410 Sorry about the reflection in the glass, I couldn‘t find this picture on my phone. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 12 #mgbuddyread

megnews I would just say that this would be an excellent book for teachers to have their class libraries and to utilize when learning about 9/11. I thought it handled the truly awful events that day without “dumbing it down” but also with recognition of the emotions of and impact on the young audience. 5y
megnews On another note, I found the author‘s narration on the audiobook to be annoying. I almost gave up to just read it but still finished it out. 5y
Daisey Just that I‘m glad to have read this one because I‘ve wondered about it, and now I know I want to add it to my class library. 5y
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sblbooks A good book for middle grade readers. It's hard to believe the kids today we're not alive when this happened it doesn't seem that long ago. 5y
megnews @sblbooks I agree. Doesn‘t feel that long ago 5y
Mdargusch I agree with all of the above. I think it would be great for classrooms. 5y
JaclynW @megnews @Daisey @sblbooks @Mdargusch I agree. A great introductory book for 9-11. Perfect to read with a class or your own kids. It would lead to wonderful discussions. A good springboard book. It would have been nice if the book had included a few other books or resources to check out after reading (but I guess that is also what Google does for us). I thought it was a well-rounded look at facts and feelings. (Without getting too heavy into it.) 5y
JaclynW Thank you for choosing such a great book! I enjoyed the discussion questions and everyone's thoughts and experiences with this horrific event. 5y
megnews @Lmstraubie @Daisey @sblbooks @Mdargusch @JaclynW I‘m glad this book was chosen and appreciated the discussion with everyone. I hope I didn‘t forget to tag anybody. 5y
mrp27 Thanks for hosting. This book has been on my tbr for awhile and I'm glad I finally got to it. I've read a lot of 9/11 middle grade books and this was one of the better ones. Great book for kids. 5y
Peddler410 I‘ve had this book sitting on my shelf since I bought it on release day. Thank you @Lmstraubie for pushing it up on my TBR. My only regret is not reading it with my daughter. 5y
TheBookHippie This was much better than some others I‘ve read. Sorry to be late. It‘s been a little unreal in my world! 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 11 #mgbuddyread

megnews Wow! I had not considered a reason til I read this question. Is it because Deja learning about 9/11 made her dad feel like he was experiencing it all over again? Is it because every time we talk about where we were that awful day it is a little like experiencing the feelings of that day all over again. Lots of strong emotions flood back when you talk about events such as this. (edited) 5y
sblbooks I just Googled the name Deja. It's of Spanish and French origin. Meaning remembrance or to remember. The perfect name I would say. #neverforget 5y
Mdargusch Haha! I never figured that out either @megnews but it sure does fit. 5y
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megnews @Mdargusch I think @sblbooks answer has me beat. I didn‘t think to google the meaning of her name. But that is perfect! 5y
JaclynW @sblbooks That fits! So appropriate! 5y
mrp27 @sblbooks That's so perfect, love it! To be honest all I could think about was the character Deja on This Is Us. 😬 5y
Peddler410 The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking deja vu — thank you @sblbooks for sharing what you found on google. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 10 #mgbuddyread

Daisey This is an interesting question to me because I did feel it was unrealistically nice, but also thought it could also be that it‘s just out of the focus. We never really see these three students spend time with other students. I wondered if it was to keep the focus on the bigger issues of the story and provide a hopeful model. (edited) 5y
Mdargusch I don‘t know, but it sure was a breath of fresh air. Maybe to influence those that are reading the book to be nice to others. I‘m so tired of MG books and all the bullying they have in them. 5y
sblbooks I assume she felt it wasn't necessary. Like @Daisey said, the focus was 9/11. That's a heavy topic for this age, no need to add to it. 5y
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JaclynW @Daisey @sblbooks I also assumed it was to narrow the focus. It didn't ever really get deep into the larger circles either - it definitely focused on the threesome. I did appreciate this. You don't need a LARGE group of friends - a good message for young readers. These 3 kids were very supportive of each other and helped each other through some harder times. ⬇️ 5y
JaclynW Maybe some would see this focus as unrealistic but I saw it as an author who was making a point. 5y
mrp27 I think it was to make a point as well. 5y
Peddler410 I‘ll be honest .... I don‘t remember anyone else in the class. I liked the author‘s focus being on the three kids—it kept the story on topic. Any classroom drama would have distracted from what the author was trying to focus on. 5y
TheBookHippie I wish it was this way 😭😭😭 I assume she was making a point. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 9 #mgbuddyread

Mdargusch Sorry, I don‘t remember what she said. 🤪 5y
megnews I listened to the audiobook a month ago. Can‘t remember the details 5y
JaclynW Parts I agree with. I like her point that she's trying to make about America's ideals/values are strong and what bind us. The ideas are all nice but these same values are what divide us too. There are several current and past incidents that just show opposite of this idealistic essay. For the purpose of a middle grade novel, it is great. Hopeful. Optimistic. In my adult mind...my hope, optimism and faith in my fellow countrymen has drastically ⬇️ 5y
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JaclynW (cont.) decreased in recent years. I'm trying to focus on the good but it can be rough some days. Maybe I'm too jaded?? Ha! I hope to see positive change with future generations and not so many steps backwards. Real change too. Not the "semi" changes that we've seen with women's rights and civil rights. I want love and peace just like Deja.??? 5y
mrp27 I can't remember the context either but I agree with @JaclynW and in addition to understanding the events of 9/11 I think that it's the overall theme of the book, not to let our differences and values divide us, we're all in this together. 5y
JaclynW @mrp27 Agreed. It is a great ideal/goal to live up to. We just need to be sure to put real action behind those words. Make them true. 5y
mrp27 @JaclynW Absolutely! 5y
Peddler410 Her essay, from what I can remember, fits the middle grade audience the book was written for . I agree with @JaclynW 5y
TheBookHippie Togetherness despite differing belief systems is key. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 8 #mgbuddyread

megnews As far as taking care of siblings, some families have to make these choices due to circumstance. At the same time, parents and adults tend to want to shield their children from horrific things such as 9/11. I think a component beyond age was at play here too. Deja‘s dad experiencing it firsthand probably made him feel all the more it was too awful for her to know about and her knowing would open up the door to him having to talk about it too. 5y
Daisey @megnews I agree, and I think due to his experiences and the after effects, he was never really going to feel ready to tell her on his own. He would have to be forced into it being the time to tell her in some way. 5y
megnews @Daisey This question made me think even further about the differences between those who lived it and those who sorrowed for them and our country from afar. I have been able to talk to my kids about this with much much much less emotional impact to myself because I didn‘t live it. While there‘s probably many New Yorkers who found some way to as well, how many, like Deja‘s dad, were overwhelmed by the thought of such a task? 5y
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sblbooks I think it was the fact that deja's Dad had PTSD. He couldn't bring himself to discuss it because it brought back too many memories. 5y
Mdargusch I agree with you @sdlbooks. She was definitely old enough, he just couldn‘t discuss it. 5y
JaclynW @sblbooks @Mdargusch I agree that it was more Deja's dad's PTSD that kept him from discussing it. She is old enough to know. To have to revisit that could be so painful for her dad. Sometimes it can be therapeutic though. I hope Deja's dad gets the help he needed. This kind of pain needs additional help and support to get through. 5y
mrp27 I agree, @mdargusch definitely a symptom of PTSD. My ex didn't exactly share a lot with me about that day or the aftermath when he worked on the pile. It was very difficult and challenging when he would want to spend time hanging out and drinking with his firehouse buddies,rehashing and sharing their stories but then he would clam up with me. I had to learn not to push, give him his space to deal with it all. Took years just to get a few tidbits. 5y
Peddler410 I don‘t really think it had anything to do with Deja‘s age ... dad wasn‘t ready to relive that experience. 5y
TheBookHippie I agree age wasn‘t the reason. I‘ve got kids that take care of siblings but can‘t hear the story of them immigrating here. Same thing I imagine. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 7 #mgbuddyread

megnews PTSD, possibly depression, and some type of lung disease from the debris that day. 5y
Mdargusch I agree with @megnews 5y
JaclynW @megnews Agreed. 5y
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JaclynW So sad!! My heart broke for him! 5y
mrp27 Again I agree with @megnews definitely PTSD and some kind of lung disease. After 9/11 my ex developed asthma and always had a cough. It would become worse every time he had a fire at work. 5y
Peddler410 Oh gosh, PTSD, depression, the cough is related to inhaling smoke and debris. 5y
TheBookHippie PTSD. So sad. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 6 #mgbuddyread

megnews It‘s easier to talk about awful events the further removed you are from them 5y
cwarnier Some families are also more open to talking, or talk more with their kids than others. 5y
sblbooks Deja's parents shielded them from the truth, also she was homeless so they were just busy trying to survive. 5y
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Mdargusch Her father tried to protect her by not telling her anything but I think it was just too hard for him to relive. 5y
JaclynW @megnews @cwarnier @sblbooks @Mdargusch All of the above is correct I think. What a difficult event to have to re-live. I have friends though that refuse to talk to their kids about current or past events until they reach a certain age. They feel they are too young to process the information. 5y
megnews @JaclynW I never let the kids watch the news. I think the way they rehash bad events over & over and all the conjecture is too much. But we talk about history & current events all the time and they‘ll share what‘s being said at school and we discuss it critically looking at ours and opposing points of view. How do kids learn to think if we don‘t help them learn to have informed opinions and think things through? 5y
JaclynW @megnews I agree with you totally! Information isn't bad but it is often seen that way. Information is power. We have to teach how to process information, how to find facts and what to do with that information. 5y
JaclynW @megnews I'm a bit of a news junkie, so it is often on when my kids are around. We have lots of discussions. 🙂 5y
mrp27 Ben had to know some stuff, you can't entirely shield it all away from kids when they are a part of it. His dad was in Afghanistan and I believe still in the military and I'm sure it continues to affect his daily family life. The same could also be said for Deja's family but they chose to deal with it differently by choosing not to talk about it and they are not living in it daily so to speak. Deja's family can get away with not talking about it. (edited) 5y
Peddler410 Everyone makes good points. I agree with @megnews that it is easier to talk about things you are farther removed from. I also agree with @cwarnier — we talk openly with our daughter about things, some families choose not to. I think I can understand why Deja‘s family didn‘t talk about it and for the same reasons why Ben‘s family did. 5y
TheBookHippie My great grandma never talked about her experiences with war..my dad either. Some people do some do not I think. I‘m an open book and prefer it that way. It‘s depends on the person I imagine ... 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 5 #mgbuddyread

megnews It may sound cliche, but I‘d say it‘s where the ♥️ is. My heart‘s home is in my house where my kids grew up and still reside with me. It‘s also in North Carolina, where my Gran grew up and took me to visit family so many times. I feel a heart connection to the places and my ancestors there. I loved Deja‘s definition of home, that it‘s more than a place. It‘s where you have your people. 5y
Mdargusch I think wherever I am with family. 5y
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JaclynW @megnews @Mdargusch I loved Deja's definition too. My home is with my people. My chosen ones. 5y
mrp27 @megnews I totally agree. I also loved Deja's definition. 5y
Chelsibno @megnews I also agreed with Deja‘s definition. My home is definitely where my people are. 5y
Peddler410 100% where family is. And I include close friends as family. I also agree with @megnews — visiting places connected with my family is home. 5y
TheBookHippie Chicago and Where MrBookHippie is. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 4 #mgbuddyread

megnews Yes the first time I visited NYC in 2015. I didn‘t feel ready to go but my 18yo wanted to. Afterward I appreciated the fact that we did. I‘ve been back twice but not ready to visit the museum. 5y
CouronneDhiver I haven‘t but I am curious to go, at some point. 5y
sblbooks No, but I hope to one day. 5y
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Mdargusch No. I think I will if I ever get to NYC. 5y
Reviewsbylola I want to go so badly. 5y
JaclynW Yes! We took our 3 kids in 2016. It is an amazing museum. It is done really well. Time constraints had us rushing through the last bits. I would like to visit again and take my time. We all left with heavy hearts but were glad to have visited. 5y
Chrissyreadit Still too painful for me. Someday I‘m sure I will. 5y
mrp27 I've never visited. At the time it opened I felt angry because why in the hell was I going to go to a museum and see stuff that I saw in my house everyday? I would see my ex's charred helmet laying around. I would wash his uniforms, take his class a's to the dry cleaner after every funeral. I heard the stories, attended memorials. I lived it. I didn't need to see it in a museum. Clearly I'm still mad. (edited) 5y
mrp27 @Chrissyreadit Same. When the memorial/museum opened they gave 1, just 1 ticket to my family to attend a preview. I was so mad. What, only 1 person could go and the rest wait for months to get in? 5y
Chrissyreadit @mrp27 I did not know about the one ticket policy. That is just ugly. Yes you did live it. I had an easier time because I lived in WV and went home for weekend visits. My brother initially told us to stay away from the site- he said the air was toxic. Now I‘m angry over the fight for medical care, lack of refunding and illness that is ignored. I‘m sure that fuels my anger. Another Uncle was a cop there and shared hundreds of pictures he obtained 5y
Chrissyreadit @mrp27 I‘m sure it was some type of desensitization for him, but sitting with everyone as they went through pictures and described their space and actions is still with me. My brother definitely became a different person the day it turned out rescue was really recovery. I‘m sorry you had to be there every day. I‘m glad he survived. 5y
mrp27 @Chrissyreadit Agreed, the medical problems and fight for care is a nightmare. So many stories of illnesses. I remember for weeks after I could taste the dust in the air. It made me want to vomit. I used to drive him down to the pile and when I would drive away from the site they had a pop up car wash and would wash the dust off my car so I wouldn't track it around. I wanted to scream but what about these men breathing this crap for days on end! 5y
mrp27 @Chrissyreadit Thank you for your support. It was equally hard on my family being so far away and for you too. It couldn't have been easy. 5y
Chelsibno I wasn‘t able to visit the memorial when I went to NYC, but I‘d really like to in the future. 5y
Peddler410 We took a road trip with our five year old. Drove from Chicago — stopped in Pennsylvania at the memorial site as well. We prepared our daughter by watching some documentaries and we had some fun stops prior so she understood the 9/11 museum was for mom and dad. Our tickets were for the first entry time and we arrived an hour early to visit the reflection pools. It was a very solemn experience, we were almost the only ones there. We took our time 5y
Peddler410 In the museum. No one was rushing us, our daughter was well prepared and Rock Star. If you go, I recommend going early. When we left the museum, the grounds were busy — people having lunch, crowds around the reflection pools, very different experience. I‘ll post a photo. 5y
TheBookHippie I‘m going in August. My son 12 really is interested in the history. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 3 #mgbuddyread

megnews Absolutely. I believe it‘s important to know as much history as you can to try to prevent repetition of bad acts. 5y
sblbooks Yes, exactly @megnews 5y
cwarnier It definitely appropriate for kids to learn about what happened in our country. 5y
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JaclynW @megnews Agreed! It is part of our country's history and should be taught and learned about. We learn about history so we don't repeat things that shouldn't be repeated and so we can do better. We also want to pay tribute to innocent lives lost and brave individuals who risked their own lives to rescue and help others. My 3 kids know all about 9-11. 5y
Chrissyreadit I am not part of the buddy read, but my kids know quite a bit about it and I do consider it vital. Both my Uncle and cousin were Firemen there and lost many friends. My brother helped recover body parts the week after. There was so much heroism by the community I still cry, and friends who lost loved ones... 5y
mrp27 Absolutely. I had to discuss it with nephews who were young at the time. They knew I lived in NY and they knew their uncle was a fireman. It changed the lives of everyone in my family. 5y
mrp27 @Chrissyreadit I still cry too. Was such a difficult time personally and for NYC. I was so touched by all the love and support from around the country for my ex, he worked at ladder 117 in Astoria. 5y
Chrissyreadit @mrp27 I do not know the companies of my uncle or cousin, I only know my cousins company picnic was the week before, he started at a training and went in on a different fire truck, everyone on the ladder he was typically on died. My uncle was in one of the photos time magazine published walking with two other firemen. I have not been able to find it since we moved. The best man at my friends wedding was killed there, I think living and working 5y
Chrissyreadit @mrp27 there helped people cope and heal, where I just pull out the memories on these occasions and think- yup still hurts, and put them away. I feel bad because my poor kids have only known a mildly neurotic mom instead of the carefree one pre 9/11. But my friends from home do so much better! Did you know a lot of firefighter families? Did it impact you as time went on? Thank you for this conversation! It helps. 5y
mrp27 @Chrissyreadit I am so glad our conversation has been helpful. I often alternate between anger and sorrow even after all this time. I'm divorced and no longer live in NY but those events changed me and have affected me. I was only married 2 months when it happened so in that moment I wasn't close with the men (in the firehouse) and their families but the events brought everyone so close together and over years and time I came to regard the 5y
mrp27 @Chrissyreadit firehouse as my second family. They made me feel safe and accepted and I deeply miss them and the lifestyle. 9/11 was not the cause of my divorce but it certainly impacted my marriage and the irony is not lost on me that things began to unravel at the 10 year anniversary. My ex eventually went to therapy after the divorce and I hope it has helped him. We haven't spoken so I can't say how he is. 5y
mrp27 @Chrissyreadit My utmost respect to your cousin and uncle. Even though I lived it as a sposue I can't begin to understand what those men went through. My heart breaks for the survivors. I know it's difficult for them. I wish them well and to you too. It's a difficult tragedy to overcome and we all have our neurotic behaviors to cope. 5y
Chelsibno I think it is important to teach young people about this chapter in American history. 5y
Chrissyreadit @mrp27 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 5y
Peddler410 Absolutely, it‘s important! My daughter was introduced to this time in our history when she was four or five. We watched some of the documentaries with her leading up to our summer trip to NY. 5y
TheBookHippie Absolutely !!!! It‘s necessary. 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 2 #mgbuddyread

megnews I listened to the audiobook about 4 weeks ago. I don‘t recall having an aha moment that I‘d learned something new. I‘m interested to hear how others answer. Maybe it‘ll jog my memory. 5y
Daisey I don‘t recall noting anything that I didn‘t know. I thought it was well presented for middle grade, but I did wish for some more suggested reading or nonfiction references for students at the end to go along with the discussion guide. 5y
Mdargusch I don‘t think I learned anything new but I really had never thought much about the lives of the survivors and how they are still impacted. 5y
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JaclynW @Mdargusch These were my exact thoughts. I didn't think about kids now not even knowing about it. I just assume everyone knows about something this big. It was a realization to me that a whole new generation is here that doesn't have that first hand knowledge or experience. 5y
mrp27 I didn't learn anything new but I felt the author did a great job of presenting difficult subject matter in a way that is understandable to kids. 5y
Chelsibno I didn‘t really learn anything new. I had already understood a bit about what those born after 9/11 feel about the event. When I taught high school English a few years ago, my sophomores & I had a discussion about important historical events people experience & how it shapes their generation. These teens were 2 years old when 9/11 happened & felt no real connection to the event. It was probably one of the most interesting discussions we‘d ever had (edited) 5y
Peddler410 @Mdargusch Same. I‘m glad the author included the dad‘s story. @Daisey I also would have liked a suggested reading list — I was surprised there wasn‘t one. 5y
TheBookHippie Nothing new here. I agree the book is done well. Kids need to be told like a history lesson seems surreal ! 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Question 1 #mgbuddyread

megnews I‘m not sure I have a “strongest” memory. I was at work. A coworker‘s mom called after the news announced the first tower hit. We were shocked. We pulled a tv into a room and sat around. When we saw the second tower hit we realized it wasn‘t an accident. Then the first tower fell. It was so shockingly unbelievable. Schools on lockdown. We left work early. Picking up my 4 year old and holding her tight. (edited) 5y
CouronneDhiver I was in high school. Went to the loo 🚽 and was on my way back to class when I saw it on a TV in the library (when TVs were on those carts). Sat there, mesmerized, for the rest of the school day. 5y
Daisey I just have the same kind of specific recollection of where I was, leaving my first class of the day while in college and hearing bits of information as I headed back to my dorm to watch the news for most of the day. 5y
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sblbooks I was getting ready for work when it came on the news. Everybody was thanking someone accidentally hit a building, that is until the 2nd plane struck. I just remember wondering what in the world was going on. 5y
cwarnier I just remember I was in HS and we watched news all day in every class. 5y
Mdargusch Watching it happen on the tv in my kitchen and panicking that my children were safe at school. 5y
JaclynW I was teaching my cute Kindergarten class. I kept getting updates from our school secretary every moment I could get away. I didn't tell my class about it that day. They were so little! As soon as school was over, I rushed home and my husband and I watched the news nonstop. He was in the World Trade towers two weeks to the day....that freaked me out! 5y
Gissy I was at worked working with an immigration case and I was upset because no one was answering the phone in NY. Then I heard something but took me time to realized what was happening due to the case I was working with. After that I wasn't the same. 5y
JaclynW @megnews Shockingly unbelievable is a good way to say it. 5y
JaclynW @sblbooks I kept wondering the same thing! Wwwwhhhhyyyyy??? 5y
JaclynW @Mdargusch It was a time when you just wanted to hold everyone dear to you so close!! 5y
JaclynW @Gissy None of us were the same, huh? 😔😭 5y
Gissy True😢 5y
LapReader Being scared all the way over in Australia as I was far from my family. 5y
Chrissyreadit I could not reach my family or friends for about seven days. I still have separation anxiety I work through with huge fear of my children going somewhere and we will not be able to communicate. I was at a new job teaching and saw the second plane hit on tv. The principal let me leave and I stayed home that week until phones were restored. 5y
mrp27 I was a newlywed and had just moved from California to NYC with my husband who is a firefighter for FDNY (we've since divorced). He was working at ladder 117 in Astoria Queens. I remember it like yesterday. We both woke up and went to work that sunny day like any normal day and then I didn't see my husband (ex) for days. He worked four days straight. Was the scariest week of my life. 5y
Peddler410 I was sitting in a staff meeting when the Dean‘s assistant came in and whispered to the principal. She let us out of the meeting early, a few teachers tried calling family. Being in the library, I had the tv on and teachers would come in on their plan time. I‘m in middle school — some teachers talked about it with students, others did not feel they should. 5y
Chelsibno I had just gotten to my 5th grade classroom after an hour-long bus ride. My classmates who lived in town were in an uproar, since they were able to watch part of it on the news before coming to school. The teachers escorted all of us to the cafeteria to watch the news. That‘s how we spent the morning. We spent the afternoon talking about our feelings of the event. 5y
TheBookHippie I was a nurse on duty. I remember we all just stood watching the TV... (edited) 5y
19 likes19 comments
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Daisey
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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I‘ll admit it, I love the fact that I can wait until the last minute and usually still participate in #MGBuddyRead. There are several other books I am in the middle of or should knock off the TBR list, but I‘ve been curious about this one so I‘m reading it. I‘m also enjoying Saturday snacks instead of cooking today.

Lmstraubie You will easily finish this one today. Looking forward to our discussion! 5y
Daisey @Lmstraubie Yep! I finished it late last night and am also looking forward to today! 5y
66 likes2 comments
review
monalyisha
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Deja, the 10-year-old protagonist of “Towers Falling,” a native New Yorker, knows nothing of 9/11 as the book begins. Throughout its pages, she learns about the profound & hidden impact it‘s had on her family. By the end, she admits she hasn‘t learned everything about the tragedy but that she knows *more*, & specifically that she understands the “enormous hurt.” That‘s what this book will do for young readers: give them real *feelings* of empathy.

monalyisha Sentence fragments intentionally abound; they reflect the gaps in Deja‘s knowledge, & the brokenness & fragmentation that the characters feel — & that America was scared to feel after 9/11. There‘s also a real sense of rebuilding, healing, & careful hope (that exists concurrent with all of the anger, confusion, & pain). (edited) 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

A story for kids born after the events of 9/11, but also a story for all who were around as well. The classroom where the story takes place is ideal. All the 5th graders are kind. All at the school are accepting. I read to escape so I didn't mind. I like to imagine a world where all are kind. All are accepting. I will be adding this to my school collection. (Saving the rest of my thoughts for our #mgbuddyread on Sunday.)

Suet624 I like to imagine a world that is kind too. 💕💕 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes

When asked a question, class, it's important to consider how it's framed. Sometimes a question is a door to another question, another way of seeing. Understanding. #mgbuddyread

JaclynW I loved this quote too! 5y
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Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Don't forget! This month's #mgbuddyread discussion will be this Sunday. Questions will be posted around 4:00. Join in when you can! Questions? Just ask in the comments 🙂

TheBookHippie I‘m ready! 5y
Peddler410 Can‘t wait! 5y
Lmstraubie @TheBookHippie @Peddler410 I'm looking forward to it 🙂 5y
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sblbooks
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐- Novel
⭐- Narration
I'm ready for our #mgbuddyread discussion next weekend.(no spoilers) I just listened to this on Audible today. It was a good story but I wish I had bought the paperback, the narration was terrible. #Middlegrade @Lmstraubie

Lmstraubie I'm glad you still liked it, narration aside. 5y
megnews I listened to this on audiobook and did not care for the author‘s narration either. I‘m joining in for the #mgbuddyread as well. First time! 5y
sblbooks @megnews I'm glad you're joining us! Last month was my first time. 5y
25 likes3 comments
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Mdargusch
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

An interesting middle grade view of 911 fifteen years after the tragedy. This book also depicts a sweet story of friendship and loyalty. At times it was a little preachy and felt like a political commercial for everything the author feels passionate about. Still, I think this is a very sensitive look at people directly involved with the towers falling and an important book.
#MGbuddyread

valeriegeary Is that a Push Me Pull You on your lap? 🤔😄 5y
Mdargusch Two almost twin dogs. 😁 @valeriegeary 5y
Lmstraubie I'm looking forward to our discussion 🙂 5y
Reviewsbylola I‘ll take it now. 😛 5y
Mdargusch I have it ready for you @Reviewsbylola 5y
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LitsyHappenings
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Repost for @Lmstraubie :
Up next for our #mgbuddyread Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes. The discussion will be held on Sunday, February 24th (so hurry up and get your book!). Questions are posted late in the afternoon. Jump in when you can! Questions?? Comment below 🙂

Lmstraubie Thank you! 5y
44 likes1 comment
blurb
Lmstraubie
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Up next for our #mgbuddyread Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes. The discussion will be held on Sunday, February 24th (so hurry up and get your book!). Questions are posted late in the afternoon. Jump in when you can! Questions?? Comment below 🙂
@LitsyHappenings

Smangela 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ wait. WHAT DAY IS IT?! UGH I forgot about the discussion.... going to participate now :) 5y
Lmstraubie @Smangela So glad you are joining in. You've been missed! Make sure to tag anyone you're connecting with so they can respond to you 🙂 5y
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JaclynW 👍 5y
Mdargusch Got it! 5y
Readingismyescape Looks like a great book! 5y
Lmstraubie @Readingismyescape I read this book by her and really liked it. Thinking this one will be as good. 5y
51 likes8 comments
review
megnews
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Towers Falling is the story of 3 new fifth grade friends in Brooklyn studying #9/11 15 years later and learning the impact of that day on their teacher, community, and family. This would be an excellent novel to use when teaching middle grades about that horrendous day.

Book 33/90 1/24/19

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Bookishgal71
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick
Kaye ♥️👍🏼 5y
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megnews
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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“Unlike me, Sabine doesn‘t hold grudges. She doesn‘t have an off switch for happy.”
“I thought I knew home was a place, but it‘s more. Home is where you have your people.”
Deja is a very wise fifth grader.
#morningcommute #audiobook

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Eggs
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💗📚❤️ 5y
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😍❤️🤗 (edited) 5y
99 likes2 comments
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Bookishgal71
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

A great middle-grade book focusing on 9/11 through the fictional eyes of a young girl whose father lived through it. Thought provoking and relevant for today‘s youth. A more personal way to learn about it, and appropriate as well.

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Nebklvr
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

A young girl doesn‘t understand why her father can‘t hold a job, why he is so anxious, and why it causes him so much distress to find out she is studying the terrorist attack of September 11. A complex book about community, friendship, fear, grief, loss, and healing.

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MandaMT
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Read this book a few years ago. It‘s good for talking about 9/11 with kids. The story is about three kids learning about it as a historical event. The main character‘s father is skittish around the topic. His respiratory issues and nightmares make it fairly easy for adult readers to understand why. Rhodes‘ writing style is simple enough for upper elementary and middle school students, yet engaging enough hold anyone‘s attention.

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Teresaj
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a Coretta Scott King award winning RF book. Deja is a fifth grader who is going to a new school in Brooklyn New York. At first she has her guard up when meeting new people because of the hardships she faces at home. She eventually makes friends who have the same interest in finding out what really happened on 9/11. This book would be best for RA. UDL 9.1 Facilitate personal coping skills and strategies.

Teresaj ESOL 1. Teach questioning for clarification. Here is a link to the author‘s site for how to utilize this in the classroom http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/children/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Towers-Falling... (edited) 6y
DrSpalding 9.1 for enhancing coping skills is just right for this text. So happy you chose to read this one. I think students can learn a great deal about this horrific event in our history in a way that could positively impact them. 6y
AJones I just finished reading this book, and I must say Parker Rhodes did an excellent job writing this novel. The teachers at Brooklyn Collective Elementary took baby steps (very important) so each student could comprehend what truly happened on that tragic day. Your teaching strategies are spot-on for this book and your link provides several great follow-up activities. Thanks for sharing. 🇺🇸 6y
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Cortg
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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#NYClove I listened to both these books this year. Falling Towers is a middle grades book and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is adult. Both books are about the aftermath of 9/11 and how people were effected by this tragedy years later.

RaimeyGallant Both have great covers to boot. 7y
Cortg @RaimeyGallant They do! Lots of red, white and blue! 7y
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Cortg
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Pickpick

Nice middle grades book about 9/11. The narrator was annoying with her 10 year old whiney voice though.

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Wbabdullah
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
Pickpick

Really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to using this novel to teach about 9/11 in future years to my homeschooled children. The author did a great job of taking heavy subject matter and making it relatable for today's kids and she treated Muslims with respect in the book. That's what I was hoping for and that's what I got. A must-read for upper elementary. Applause for Ms. Jewell Parker Rhodes!

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WanderingBookaneer
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Oscar Wilde (almond & hazelnut) hot chocolate by @bookspresso at @TheBookmarkPR . #readathongoals #24in48 #24in48readathon #bookspresso

britt_brooke That sounds so good! 7y
JenReadsAlot Yum! 7y
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Peaceful_Reader
Towers Falling | Jewell Parker Rhodes
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I don't say my last name, because in my old neighborhood, folks knew the Barneses were really poor. Saw boxes of our clothes, Ma's trunk, her "Hope Chest" she calls it, broken in the street. Saw Leda hanging on to her raggedy baby doll. Raymond crying. Me helping Ma and Pop stuff what they could in our car and still have enough room for five of us to sleep. After a month of living in the car, we got a room at Avalon.

Peaceful_Reader This is a wonderful story to help students understand the magnitude of 9/11. Thank you Jewel Parker Rhodes. 7y
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