20 Websites and Books to Teach Kids About 9/11

Introduction: The events of September 11, 2001, deeply impacted the world and shaped the course of history. Teaching children about this tragic event and its significance is important for their understanding of societal changes and fostering empathy. Here are 20 websites and books that provide educational resources and tools to help teach kids about 9/11.

  1. National September 11 Memorial & Museum: The official website of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers age-appropriate educational resources, including lesson plans, primary source materials, and virtual tours.
  2. The 9/11 Tribute Center: This website offers lesson plans, personal stories, oral histories, and artifacts to engage students in understanding the events of 9/11.
  3. Scholastic: Scholastic provides a comprehensive guide on teaching children about 9/11, including lesson plans, articles, and interactive activities.
  4. September 11: The Children’s Curriculum: Developed by the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, this curriculum provides educators with tools to address children’s questions and concerns about 9/11.
  5. 9/11 Memorial & Museum YouTube Channel: The official YouTube channel features videos that provide insights into the events of 9/11, survivor stories, and interviews.
  6. September 11: Attack on America by Wilborn Hampton: This book offers a detailed account of the events of 9/11 in a narrative form suitable for middle and high school students.
  7. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein: This award-winning children’s book tells the story of Philippe Petit’s daring tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974.
  8. Seven and a Half Tons of Steel by Janet Nolan: This picture book tells the story of the World Trade Center steel beams being transformed into a memorial for the lives lost on 9/11.
  9. America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown: This graphic novel provides a comprehensive overview of the events of 9/11, suitable for older children and teens.
  10. 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy: Based on a true story, this book tells the tale of a Maasai village that gifts 14 cows to the United States as a symbol of solidarity after the 9/11 attacks.
  11. Ground Zero by Alan Gratz: This young adult historical fiction novel follows the intertwining stories of three young people in the aftermath of 9/11.
  12. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman: This picture book tells the true story of the retired fireboat that came back to life to help during the 9/11 attacks.
  13. The 9/11 Dogs: Heroic Tales from the WTC Disaster by Susan Bulanda: This nonfiction book honors the search and rescue dogs that played an invaluable role in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
  14. The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story by Cheryl Somers Aubin: This heartwarming children’s book tells the story of the “Survivor Tree,” a pear tree that was recovered from Ground Zero and replanted as a symbol of resilience.
  15. Courageous Canine! And More True Stories of Amazing Animal Heroes by Elizabeth MacLeod: This book includes a chapter on “Bretagne,” a search and rescue dog who worked at Ground Zero.
  16. Ground Zero Dogs by Meish Goldish: This book explores the stories of search and rescue dogs who searched for survivors at Ground Zero.
  17. Why Did It Happen? Responding to Terrorism by Tony McAleavy: This informative book provides explanations and context to help children understand the reasons behind acts of terrorism, including 9/11.
  18. United States vs. Al-Qaeda: A History of the War on Terror by Sean Price: Geared towards older children and teens, this book explores the timeline and impact of 9/11 and the subsequent war on terror.
  19. Kids Discover 9/11: This magazine-style resource provides articles, infographics, and activities to help children gain a deeper understanding of the events of 9/11.
  20. Time for Kids: 9/11 Memorial: Time for Kids offers a special edition magazine focused on the 9/11 Memorial, featuring articles, interviews, and interactive content.

Conclusion: These 20 websites and books provide a range of educational resources to help children learn about the events of 9/11 with sensitivity and age-appropriate content. By utilizing these tools, educators and parents can engage young learners in meaningful discussions and reflections about this significant period in history.