Survivor Tree
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Survivor Tree

by Marcie Colleen

Illustrated by Aaron Becker

This hopeful story of a resilient tree that grew (and still grows) at the base of the twin towers is a simple introduction for young readers to gain an understanding of September 11th and the impact it had on America.

One September day, the perfect blue sky exploded. Dust billowed. Buildings crumbled. And underneath it all, a tree sprouted green leaves in its distress. Pulled from the wreckage, the tree saw many seasons pass as it slowly recovered far away from home. Until one day, forever scarred and forever stronger, it was replanted at the 9/11 Memorial.

This story of the real Survivor Tree uses nature's cycle of colors to reflect on the hope and healing that come after a tragedy—and assures readers of their own remarkable resilience.
Hardcover

Hardcover / ISBN-13: 9780316487672

Regular Price $18.99

Regular Price $24.99 CAD

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Praise

An Arkansas Diamond Primary Award Nominee
* "A lovely 20th-anniversary tribute to the towers and all who perished—and survived." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"A sensitive, accessible entry point into a relatively recent tragedy." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Eloquent.... A moving history and tribute to resilience." —Booklist, starred review
"Lyrical prose.... Lovely, elongated watercolor and colored-pencil compositions.... This one is particularly suited to young audiences and perfectly reflects the book’s dedication: 'May peace and hope grow from the darkest of our days.'" —Horn Book, starred review
"Survivor Tree, which marks the 20-year anniversary of 9/11, is like its subject: a stately monument to resilience." —Shelf Awareness
"A story of history and hope, of tragedy and resilience." —Midwest Book Review
"ALA Notable Books for Children’s Books 2022." —Association for Library Service to Children
"2022 Notable Social Studies Trade Books list." —National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the Children’s Book Council
"Children’s Choices 2022 list."
  —The Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Best Children’s Books of the Year 2022. —Bank Street College of Education
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Author Essay

Marcie Colleen on SURVIVOR TREE

 

I have yet to meet anyone who cannot recall exactly where they were when they learned of the attacks on September 11, 2001. But for a generation, those born around or after the attacks, that day is ancient history often veiled in curiosity and silence.

 

We live in a world shaped by those events, yet because of the distressful memories of September 11th, many adults grapple with how to broach the topic with young children. Some even ask why speak of it at all. Over the past two decades we have struggled to let go of the pain and trauma of that day. So many of us still feel the deep scars on our hearts and we want to shelter our children from knowing what we know.

 

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