Towers Falling: A Gripping, Heartfelt Story Of Family And Friendship

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes is an emotionally charged novel that will keep you captivated from start to finish. With a powerful story line and engaging characters, this gripping book follows the journey of Deja, a fifth grader who is struggling to make sense of the world around her in the aftermath of 9/11. Through Deja’s eyes we explore themes of family, identity, history and hope. The narrative is thoughtfully crafted and filled with moments of both sorrow and joy as Deja discovers how to cope with the towers falling around her. Themes of loss and resilience are explored as Deja explores what it means to be an American in a post-9/11 world. With its poignant writing style and meaningful message, Towers Falling is sure to leave readers with a greater understanding of the power of the human spirit.

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Towers Falling Review

Towers Falling is a powerful and moving novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes that tells the story of four teens living in Brooklyn, New York, who grapple with the aftermath of 9/11. This book explores themes of friendship, family, community, and loss while exploring the events of that fateful day. Through it all, these kids come to understand what it means to be a hero.

The Key Features of Towers Falling include:

A gripping story about resilience and hope set in post-9/11 America.

Explores themes of friendship, family, community, and loss.

Characters grapple with difficult questions about identity and patriotism.

This book will make readers laugh, cry, think, and cheer for its characters.

A perfect book for young adults or anyone interested in understanding 9/11 better.

This inspiring novel follows four friends as they navigate the long-lasting impact of 9/11 on their lives. As they come to terms with the tragedy and its aftermath, they have to ask themselves tough questions about identity and patriotism. Along the way they learn what it truly means to be a hero.

With an unforgettable cast of characters and an honest look at what it was like to live through that day and those that followed, Towers Falling, will leave readers laughing, crying, thinking and cheering for its characters. This is a must-read for young adults or anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of 9/11.

Product Details

Product	Details
Title	Towers Falling
Author	Jewell Parker Rhodes
Publisher	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date	August 9, 2016
Pages	304 pages
ISBN-10	0316262226
ISBN-13	978-0316262220
Format	Hardcover
Language	English
Genre	Fiction & Literature/Young Adult Fiction/Historical/United States – 20th Century/African American & Black Interest/Social Themes/Friendship & Social Skills /Growing Up & Facts of Life.
Age Range	12-17 years old.

Towers Falling Pros and Cons

1. Pros:

Engaging story – Towers Falling is an engaging and captivating book that tells the story of Deja, a young girl growing up in Brooklyn who finds out the truth about 9/11 and how it has affected her life. The book is full of twists and turns, and readers will be kept on the edge of their seats throughout.

Educational – This book offers valuable insights into the history of 9/11 and how it has changed our world. Through Deja’s story, readers will learn about the impact of terrorism on individuals and communities, as well as the importance of resilience in times of adversity.

2. Cons:

Slow pacing – The pacing in Towers Falling can be a bit slow at times, which may make it difficult for some readers to stay focused. Additionally, there are some parts that may seem overly detailed or longwinded.

Triggering – Because this book deals with terrorism and its aftermath, it can be triggering for some readers who have experienced similar events or trauma in their lives.

Who are They for

When Deja and her friends enter the fifth grade, they are faced with an unsettling question: What was Towers Falling? Jewell Parker Rhodes’ gripping novel of courage and friendship takes place fifteen years after the 9/11 attacks on New York City.

Deja and her three best friends, Sabeen, Benji and R ose, live in a Brooklyn neighborhood that has been affected by the tragedy that occurred so many years ago. Despite their differences in race, religion and socio-economic backgrounds, they are united by the common quest to understand what happened that day.

Through their journey of exploration — going to the memorial site, researching information online and talking to family members —the four children come to understand how one event can have ripple effects throughout history. They also gain insight into the resilience of their community and discover how Towers Falling can bring people together in unexpected ways.

Towers Falling is a powerful story of friendship, hope and understanding in times of grief. Rhodes’ lyrical writing brings this captivating tale to life as it explores the impact of 9/11 on individuals and communities alike. Readers will be moved by Deja’s courage and determination as she seeks answers to questions she never thought she would have to ask.

My Experience for Towers Falling

My life was completely turned upside down when I read Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes. It was an emotional roller coaster that had me laughing and crying throughout the story.

I felt a connection with the characters right away. The book follows four kids in Brooklyn, each dealing with their own issues at school and home. Dèja is struggling to get her family back after they were displaced following 9/11. Sabeen has been labeled as a troublemaker ever since she moved from Pakistan. Ben’s parents are always fighting, leaving him feeling helpless and alone. And Laya is trying to find her place in a world where it feels like no one understands her.

As I read along, I found myself relating to these characters on so many levels. They each have a unique story that made me care about them even more. From their experiences with racism, bullying and microaggressions, to their efforts to come together and help rebuild their community: I found strength in their stories and courage in their struggles.

Jewell Parker Rhodes does an amazing job of weaving together these four separate stories into one powerful narrative about resilience and hope. With each chapter, I felt my emotions intensifying as the characters faced obstacles that seemed insurmountable—but then came up with creative solutions that showed just how strong they really were.

Towers Falling taught me that we can all find ways to be resilient despite our circumstances, no matter how challenging they may be. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power we hold within ourselves and how we can use it to make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.

What I don’t Like

1. Complex plot: Towers Falling has a complex plot which may be difficult for some readers to follow.
2. Lengthy read: The book is quite long and may take longer than anticipated to finish.
3. Difficult subject matter: Towers Falling deals with difficult issues such as racism, poverty and the effects of 9/11 on children, which can be emotionally taxing for some readers.
4. Limited character development: While the main characters are developed in detail, other characters have brief appearances and limited backstories.
5. Predictable story line: The general story arc follows a predictable pattern that was familiar by the time of its release.

How to Teach Kids About Social Injustice Using Towers Falling

Towers Falling, by Jewell Parker Rhodes, is a powerful story about four friends who discover the history of racial injustice in their city. It is an excellent book for teaching kids about social injustice and its effects on our society. Here are some tips for using this book to help young readers learn more about this important topic:

Start a Discussion. After reading Towers Falling, ask your students questions like “What did you think of the characters’ reactions to the history they uncovered?” or “Do you think it’s possible to overcome prejudice and injustice?” This will get them thinking critically about the issue and help them draw their own conclusions.
Introduce Other Perspectives. Ask your students to do research on other perspectives related to social justice. This could include reading books, watching documentaries, or listening to podcasts from different points of view. Encourage them to consider how these views may differ from their own.
Encourage Activism. Use Towers Falling as an opportunity to talk about ways that kids can make a difference in their community when it comes to social justice issues. Suggest activities such as volunteering at a soup kitchen, participating in a peaceful protest, or writing letters to elected officials.

By exploring the themes in Towers Falling, you can help kids gain a better understanding of social injustice and encourage them to become active participants in creating positive change.

Questions about Towers Falling

What is Towers Falling about?

Towers Falling is a powerful story of resilience and friendship set in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. It follows the journey of four friends living in Brooklyn, New York, who are struggling to make sense of their world as it rapidly changes around them. Along the way, they learn the power of community and what it means to be an American citizen.

Who should read Towers Falling?

Towers Falling is a great book for all readers, from middle grade to adult, who want to explore themes such as resilience and friendship in times of adversity. It’s also great for those looking to better understand the events of 9/11 and its lasting impact on our nation.

Does Towers Falling include any historical facts?

Yes! Jewell Parker Rhodes deftly weaves real-life events surrounding 9/11 into her narrative. She includes factual information about the terrorist attacks and how they impacted people living in Brooklyn at that time.

Is there a film adaptation of Towers Falling?

Not yet, but many fans would love to see this powerful story come to life on the big screen!

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.