Books About September 11, 2001

The Best September 11, 2001 Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about september 11, 2001? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

All We Have Left
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About September 11, 2001

Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2016

All We Have Left

By Wendy Mills

Two teens' lives intertwine across time, revealing hidden truths and hope amidst tragedy.

368 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 4,954 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Jesse, haunted by her brother's death on 9/11, makes a reckless choice that forces her to confront the past. Meanwhile, in 2001, Alia, a Muslim teen, finds herself trapped in the Twin Towers, where a chance encounter changes everything. As their stories unfold, secrets emerge, and both must navigate the shadows of history to find redemption and hope. What truths will they uncover, and how will their lives intersect across time?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Survivor Tree

By Marcie Colleen, Aaron Becker (Illustrator)

A tree survives 9/11's devastation, symbolizing hope and resilience.

42 pages· 322 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.6/5 Goodreads · 908 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Amidst the chaos of September 11th, a tree emerges from the rubble, a symbol of resilience and hope. This Callery pear tree, nearly destroyed, is nurtured back to life and eventually replanted at the 9/11 Memorial. As it endures the seasons, it mirrors the journey of healing and strength. Discover how nature's cycle reflects the enduring spirit of recovery and the promise of renewal after tragedy. This poignant tale invites readers to find their own resilience in the face of adversity.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2016

Saved by the Boats

Amid chaos, a historic sea rescue unfolds on 9/11.

32 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 454 ratings
$7.95Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: On September 11, 2001, as terror struck Manhattan, sea captains and their crews embarked on a daring mission. Racing against time, they orchestrated the largest sea evacuation in history, rescuing nearly 500,000 people. This untold story of courage and unity reveals how, in the darkest moments, humanity's light shines brightest. What drives ordinary people to become heroes? Discover the extraordinary bravery that turned a day of despair into a testament of hope.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

Heroes of 9/11

Witness the bravery of first responders on 9/11.

181 pages· 42,362 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 448 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Explore ten gripping stories of first responders who faced unimaginable danger on September 11, 2001. Each tale reveals the courage and sacrifice of those who risked everything to save others. What drives these heroes to act in the face of fear? Discover the heart-pounding moments and the human spirit that shone through the darkness of that fateful day. These narratives will leave you questioning the limits of bravery and the power of selflessness. Dive into the lives of those who became symbols of hope and resilience in the midst of chaos.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

Escape from the Twin Towers

By Kate Messner, Kelley McMorris (Illustrator) · Book #11 in the Ranger in Time series

A young girl and her friend navigate the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

144 pages· 11,915 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 383 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Ranger, a time-traveling golden retriever, arrives at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Amidst the chaos, he encounters Risha and Max, two children separated from Risha's mother. As the towers fall, Ranger must use his search-and-rescue skills to guide them to safety. Can he reunite the family amidst the devastation? The stakes are high, and time is running out. Will courage and instinct be enough to navigate this perilous moment?
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2469
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 (Graphic Novel)

A young boy navigates the aftermath of a traumatic event and finds solace in his relationships and hobbies.

160 pages· 5,284 words· Est. 59 min read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,769 ratings
$25.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Lucas loves football and his Uncle Benny, a firefighter. When his parents make him quit the sport, Lucas heads to New York to seek Benny's advice. But as he arrives at the firehouse, the world shifts dramatically. In this graphic novel, experience the harrowing events of September 11 through Lucas's eyes, where courage and survival are tested in unimaginable ways. Will Lucas find his uncle amidst the chaos, and how will this day alter his life? Discover a story of resilience and hope against the backdrop of a national tragedy.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

This Very Tree

A tree survives 9/11, symbolizing hope and resilience.

48 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 974 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Amidst the chaos of September 11, a Callery pear tree, buried under rubble, defies the odds and survives. Dubbed the 'Survivor Tree,' it becomes a beacon of hope and renewal. Nurtured back to health, it returns to the 9/11 Memorial, offering solace and strength. Experience this poignant tale of resilience and community through the eyes of the tree itself, a testament to enduring spirit and recovery.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2014

Eleven

An eleven-year-old's birthday turns heroic amidst unexpected challenges.

200 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,016 ratings
$10.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On his eleventh birthday, Alex rescues a stray dog, Radar, thinking it's the best gift ever. But as the day unfolds, Alex faces bullies, unexpected allies, and a world-changing event. With a pesky sister and a cranky neighbor, Alex learns about heroism, kindness, and hope in the face of tragedy. Can a boy and his dog navigate a day that will change everything?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2012

I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001

By Lauren Tarshis, Scott Dawson (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the I Survived series

A young boy witnesses the 9/11 attacks and struggles to cope with the aftermath

112 pages· 8,083 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 13,341 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Lucas skips school to visit his uncle at the firehouse, seeking advice on his parents' decision to quit football. But as he arrives, a catastrophic event unfolds, thrusting him into chaos. With New York City under attack, Lucas must navigate the turmoil to find his family. Will he reunite with them, or will the day that changed the world change him forever? As the city crumbles, Lucas's courage and determination are put to the ultimate test.
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2007

14 Cows for America

A distant village offers an unexpected gift of hope to a grieving nation post-9/11.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2010)
36 pages· 589 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,570 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a remote Kenyan village, an American diplomat witnesses an extraordinary ceremony. The Maasai people, known for their warrior spirit, present a heartfelt gift to the United States, still reeling from the September 11 attacks. This offering of fourteen cows symbolizes hope and friendship, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. As news of this gesture spreads, it becomes a beacon of light for a nation in mourning. Discover how a simple act of generosity can bridge worlds and heal hearts in this moving true story.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

September 11, 2001 Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about september 11, 2001 for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Fireboat

Ages 5–8 · 2002

An old fireboat is called back to action during a city crisis.

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel

Ages 6–10 · 2016

A navy ship's bow forged from 9/11 steel tells a story of resilience.

Branches of Hope

Ages 4–7 · 2021

A tree survives 9/11, symbolizing hope and resilience amid devastation.

The Places We Sleep

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl faces upheaval as her family and country are torn apart by war.

September Roses

Ages 7–12 · 2004

Stranded in NYC on 9/11, two sisters find purpose for 2,400 roses.

The Heroes of 9/11: Then and Now

Ages 10–14 · 2020

Explore the enduring impact of 9/11 on heroes and first responders.

The National September 11 Memorial

Ages 5–8 · 2018

Discover the story behind the September 11 Memorial and its significance.

The Survivor Tree

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A tree's survival mirrors a nation's healing after tragedy.

View all september 11, 2001 picture books
Browse by age

September 11, 2001 Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about september 11, 2001 for developing and independent readers.

America Is Under Attack

Ages 6–10 · 2011

Experience the unforgettable events of September 11 through a vivid, accessible narrative for young readers.

Ground Zero

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Two kids, two eras, one fateful day. Can they survive the chaos and danger surrounding them?

Towers Falling

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl uncovers hidden truths about her family and community post-9/11.

Nine, Ten

Ages 10–14 · 2016

Four kids' lives intertwine as a perfect day turns tragic on September 11, 2001.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Ages 14–18 · 2005

A boy's quest through New York to unlock a mystery key leads to unexpected encounters and healing after tragedy.

Canine Hero

Ages 8–11 · 2021

A dog and handler search for life in 9/11's aftermath.

Escape from . . . the Terrorist Attacks of 9/11

Ages 7–10 · 2022

Two kids must survive a field trip turned nightmare during a historic attack.

Search and Rescue

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A boy and a rescue dog face chaos during the Pentagon attack on 9/11.

September 11

Ages 7–9 · 2021

Explore the events of 9/11 and the heroes who emerged from tragedy.

Molly and the Twin Towers

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Molly must find her sister amidst the chaos of 9/11.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo