I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001

I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001

Author: Lauren Tarshis

Themes: Historical Fiction, Adventure
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure
Ages: 1st grade and up

Synopsis: Lucas loves football, who his Uncle Benny has taught him everything he knows. So when Lucas's parents decide that the sport is too busy for him to play he decides to skip school and take the train to Manhattan to talk to Benny. What Lucas sees that day will change his life and the lives of the people in the United States forever. 

I liked how this book was written with historical facts, with the twist of the story that students will be able to relate to and enjoy.I recommend this book and other books written in this series as books to help introduce students to historical events while telling a story at the same time.

Pre-reading Activity: Start by discussing with the students what happened on September 11th, 2001. Ask they what they already know about what happened that day. Make a list of these things on the board. Have students write about what they already knew about this day in their journal and something they might want to learn.

Post-reading Activity: After reading this story have students write in their journals about what they learned by reading this book, and also something that they are still wondering about what had happened on this day. Have students either pair up to look up answers to these questions or poll the questions your students still have and tie them into the lessons you plan on teaching on September 11th.

About the Author:Lauren is the editor of the magazines Storyworks and Scope. She is also the author of the I Survived series. Lauren currently lives in Connecticut with her husband and four children.

Tarshis, L. (2012). I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001. New York:Scholastic Paperbacks. Grades 1+