Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller.

Acclaimed 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.

Accelerated Reading Level 4.8

Alan Gratz grew up in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he got a College Scholars degree with a focus in creative writing and then a Master's degree in English education, after a carefree yet hot childhood. Alan has taught middle schoolers catapult building, written over 6,000 radio ads, and spoken at a Czech university in addition to authoring plays, magazine articles, and a few episodes of A&E's City Confidential. Alan currently resides in the high country of western North Carolina with his wife Wendi and daughter Jo, where he enjoys reading, eating pizza, and, not surprisingly, watching baseball.