Ground Zero — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.
In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present.
September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive -- and escape?
September 11, 2019, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz -- and put herself and her family in mortal danger?
Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ground Zero appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains depictions of violence, including violent deaths and traumatic events related to terrorism and war. Specific instances include Brandon witnessing bodies fall from the World Trade Center and Reshmina's family being caught in gun battles. The book contains genuinely frightening content, particularly related to the 9/11 attacks, including the chaos and terror experienced by characters during the airplane crash into the World Trade Center. This portrayal is described as a 'fiery nightmare of terror and confusion'.
Does Ground Zero have violence?
The book contains depictions of violence, including violent deaths and traumatic events related to terrorism and war. Specific instances include Brandon witnessing bodies fall from the World Trade Center and Reshmina's family being caught in gun battles.
Does Ground Zero have scary content?
The book contains genuinely frightening content, particularly related to the 9/11 attacks, including the chaos and terror experienced by characters during the airplane crash into the World Trade Center. This portrayal is described as a 'fiery nightmare of terror and confusion'.
Does Ground Zero have religious themes?
The book features a character, Reshmina, who is depicted as adhering to her Muslim faith, which influences her decisions and actions throughout the story. This aspect highlights the cultural and religious context of her character in relation to the events of the narrative.
Does Ground Zero have racial/cultural content?
While the book features characters from different backgrounds, including an American boy and an Afghan girl, race is not a central theme or plot point. The narrative focuses more on the events of 9/11 and its aftermath rather than racial dynamics.
Does Ground Zero have profanity?
The book includes mild obscenities and religious exclamations, totaling 15 religious exclamations and 4 mild obscenities. This language is used in the context of the characters' experiences and emotions during traumatic events.
Does Ground Zero have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative focuses on the historical events surrounding 9/11 and their impact rather than environmental issues.
Does Ground Zero have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The narrative focuses on the events surrounding 9/11 and the experiences of the characters without any sexual themes.
Does Ground Zero have gender roles?
The book explores traditional gender roles, particularly through Reshmina's character, who faces cultural constraints that dictate her behavior and decisions. This is highlighted in moments where her desire to help is conflicted by societal norms.
Does Ground Zero have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly mentioned in the book's narrative. The search results reference diverse representation but do not provide specific examples of LGBTQ+ content within 'Ground Zero'.
