GROUND ZERO

By Alan Gratz

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ¼ (Goodreads: 4.34)

GENRE: Historical Fiction (YA - Young Adult)

PART OF A SERIES? No

WORTH READING? Yes

SUMMARY:

Ground Zero is a powerful historical fiction novel that weaves together two compelling narratives separated by nearly two decades.

The first storyline follows Brandon, a nine-year-old boy who becomes trapped in the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks. On that fateful morning, Brandon accompanies his father to work at the North Tower, but they become separated when the planes hit. The young boy must navigate the chaos, terror, and destruction while trying to survive and escape the collapsing building.

The second narrative centres on Reshmina, an 11-year-old Afghan girl living in the mountains of Afghanistan in 2019. Nearly eighteen years after 9/11, Reshmina finds herself caught in the ongoing conflict between American forces and the Taliban. Reshmina discovers an injured American soldier and, under more pressure than ever before, must decide what to do. Reshmina’s story explores how the events of 9/11 continue to reverberate across the world, affecting innocent lives in ways both direct and indirect.

Opening lines: “Brandon Chavez was in trouble.”

Ground Zero is a fast-paced young adult novel that tells the story of two young people in very difficult circumstances. Right from the beginning, I was hooked.

In dual narrative books, I often find that I’m more keen to get back to one storyline than another, but that was not the case with Ground Zero — I found Brandon and Reshmina’s storylines equally fascinating. I felt I was swept up in the story, as I learned the fates of these two ordinary children who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

Alan Gratz masterfully creates two vastly different worlds and cultures, with Reshmina’s narrative especially highlighting the contrast.

Gratz skilfully parallels his courageous young protagonists’ thoughts and experiences —e.g. wishing they could travel back in time was an underlying theme for both narrative storylines — until it is finally revealed how Brandon and Reshmina’s stories intersect.  

I felt like Alan Gratz held my breath for ransom during this tumultuous ride. Ground Zero was devastating, disturbing and deeply moving in parts, but it also carried an undercurrent of love and compassion. The two ‘voices’ who ring through the tale the most — those of the Brandon and Reshmina — really make us feel the distress and anxiety they are feeling. I’ll be honest… I struggled with my emotions throughout Ground Zero and shed more than a tear or two. So, fair warning to you.

Ground Zero is more than a gripping Young Adult novel — it’s a moving tribute to those affected by 9/11. The story explores how that tragedy continues to shape our world even today and shows, once again, how history’s impact ripples across time and borders. Though written for young readers, its powerful storytelling and emotional depth will resonate with readers of all ages.

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