Starting two days before September 11, this story follows the lives of four kids in different parts of the country. Each have their own story and their own struggles. Sergio, living in Brooklyn, is angry with his absent father. Will misses his father recently killed in an accident. As a Muslim in a new school, Naheed feels self-conscious about her head scarf. Aimee misses her mother who has to fly to New York on business. The events of September 11, will tie these children together in a way they never expected.
Baskin’s characters and their lives will give readers insight into a variety of situations. The story deals with some hard issues, but it is a gentle look at this point in history that stays appropriate for children. My only suggestion would be to make sure young readers have some background about the events and its significance. For those of us who lived it, the significance is obvious, but young readers might need additional information to process the whole story.
Recommended ages--9 and up