Some Kids Left Behind: A Survivor's Fight for Health Care in the Wake of 9/11

(Hardback)

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Major anniversary hook: Book is timed to release in advance of twentieth anniversary of 9/11.

Unique approach to popular subject, and successful comps: Some Kids Left Behind is The Only Plane in the Sky or Fall and Rise meets The Poisoned City: Flints Water and the American Urban Tragedy or Erin Brockovich. It is focused on the effects of 9/11, a source of unending American interest, but from the unique angle of how the destruction led to the poisoning of thousands of NYC schoolchildrena largely unknown story. The author, a young survivor, is a relatable protagonist that readers will connect with, and the activist who gave these children a voice.

Timeliness of subject: As the author reveals how the American health care system has been tested by disasters like 9/11, she gestures toward the systemic inequities laid bare by other tragedies like the Covid-19 pandemic, providing the book with a newsworthy hook that will engage media, inspiring thoughtful reviews and features.

Media prowess of author: The author and her organization, StuyHeath, have been covered by the New York Times, The Economist, CBS, Fox, NBC, and many more major media outlets. The author, who is an experienced lobbyist and advocate with years of experience in television and writing for publications, will tap into her myriad connections with editors and producers to draw attention to the book.

NYC and LA media and events: The author splits her time between NYC, where shes originally from, and LA, where she works in the entertainment industry, and will be able to do media and events in both cities.

Attention grabbing story with big names: The author worked closely with high-profile Congress members and celebrities in her capacity as a survivor advocate and they feature heavily in her story, offering a behind-the-scenes look at fascinating public figures like Jon Stewart, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, and Chuck Schumerthats sure to entice media and readers alike.

Spectacular photo insert: The book will include 16 color photos with stirring never-before-seen images from 9/11, as well as the author working with the likes of Jon Stewart, Nancy Pelosi, and many other well-known politicians and activists.

Fresh spin on an essential thread of American historiography: The authors story is eye-opening, shifting the mythology built around 9/11 in the years that followed the tragedy. Media, reviewers, and readers writ large will be shocked by many of the revelations of the story: that children were put in harms way by officials, that entire communitiesnot only first responderssuffer health effects from 9/11-related pollution, and that politicians actively worked to deny victims compensation. Readers who dont normally buy into patriotic survivor stories will respond to the authors fresh perspective and the all-too-human, sometimes humorous account of a young woman who did not sign up to be a hero but fought for her community anyway.

Big name foreword writers and blurb providers:NY CongressmanJerrold Nadler and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney are contributing forewords and blurbs ofendorsement are already in from Jon Stewart, NY CongresswomanCarolyn Maloney, high-profile activists, and Annie Thoms, the authors high school English teacher whose book on 9/11 scans at 27,000 copies.

Reviews

"Nordstroms detailed narrative offers a balance of seriousness and humor that will enlighten and inspire readers; it belongs on the shelves of every public and school library."
Library Journal

"A powerful story of dedication and determination."
Kirkus Reviews

It was the honor of a lifetime to advocate and testify with Lila Nordstrom who represented a large portion of the 9/11 community that often went unnoticed and would have remained unnoticed without her voice and courage.
Jon Stewart, comedian, writer, political commentator, and former host of The Daily Show

In sixteen years on the Hill, I feared no politician, meeting, press conference, or interview. And while others like Jon Stewart or myself get too much credit for helping pass vital legislation, it was a young woman like Lila Nordstrom who was instrumental in ensuring these pieces of legislation were passed. And to be honest, to this day she is the only person I fear.
John Feal, 9/11 first responder, activist, and founder and president of the FealGood Foundation

Lila writes with humor, grace, and courage about the fight to ensure that the children of 9/11 received the benefits they needed to deal with the harrowing aftereffects of that awful day. She gives us a glimpse into the long, challenging journey of getting federal legislation passed and the battle to make sure the right people benefit.
Kat Calvin, founder and executive director of Spread The Vote and cofounder and CEO of Project ID Action Fund

When I look at Lila Nordstrom, I know the future of our country is in good hands. She has been an incredible advocate and leader for the 9/11 survivor community, bravely sharing her story of returning to school at Stuyvesant High School after the attacks, to ensure that all survivors receive the care and support they need. I am so proud to have worked with her, StuyHealth, and the entire 9/11 responder and survivor community to make permanent the World Trade Center Health Program and September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Lila was just a child when she and her family were told it was safe to go back to schoolit wasn't. She has seen too many of her classmates fall ill and be taken far too young because of ailments caused by the toxins in downtown New York City. And yet, she has never given upinstead choosing to turn her grief and anger into action. She is a truly remarkable young woman with an empowering story to tell.
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12)

With Lilas commitment to justice, her dedication to serving as a champion for the vulnerable, and her capacity to deftly navigate the harsh, often vicious world of health care and politics, she has made a meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of tens of thousands of others affected by the attacks of September 11.
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10)

Some Kids Left Behindis both a clear-eyed personal account of the events of 9/11, and the story of the making of a political advocate. Nordstrom writes with intelligence and passion about the ways that local and national politics increased the damage done to children and other community members in the wake of national tragedy. She asks us to reexamine what we thought we knew about the aftermath of 9/11, and to take a hard look at who our political and health care systems coverand who is left behind.
Annie Thoms, editor ofwith their eyes: September 11ththe view from a high school at ground zero and teacher at Stuyvesant High School

Lila Nordstrom was one of the quiet forces that secured lifetime healthcare and compensation for the people that were exposed to toxins from their work or proximity to Ground Zero after the 9/11 attack. She has never given up and will continue to be the voice for the kids who returned to school just blocks from the toxic pile.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)

This book reveals a powerful and courageous story that provides lessons on the importance of comprehensive policy making, the power of listening, and the attention still needed to the many peoplethen childrenwho were left behind.
Farah Pandith, author ofHow We Win: How Cutting-Edge Entrepreneurs, Political Visionaries, Enlightened Business Leaders, and Social Media Mavens Can Defeat the Extremist Threatand former senior US diplomat

Lilas personal and inspirational story of tragedy and triumph tells the common plight of Americas children having to protect themselves when the adults dont and offers powerful insights into a group of victims that have often been overlooked since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At the end of this long fight for access to health benefits and recognition as victims, the politicians finally listened. Its about time we all do too.
Shaniqua McClendon, political director of Crooked Media

Author Bio

Lila Nordstrom is a writer, producer, activist, and the founder of StuyHealth, an advocacy group representing former students who were in lower Manhattan during 9/11 and the resulting cleanup. She has worked with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to raise awareness for the health programs in place to support 9/11 survivors; was appointed to the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Programs Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee, where she served three terms between 2013 and 2019; served on the WTC Survivors Steering Committee; and has organized lobbying trips to Washington, DC, to share the student 9/11 story with members of Congress. In June 2019, Lila testified before the House Judiciary Committee on behalf of the estimated three hundred thousand NYC community members eligible for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, and in December 2019 she was awarded New York Citys Bronze Medallion, New York Citys highest civic honor, given by the mayor. Under Lila's direction, StuyHealth has received a wealth of media from local, national, and international outlets, including the New York Times, Economist, CBS, Fox, and NBC. A graduate of Stuyvesant High School and Vassar College, Lilas writing has appeared in The Guardian, Huffington Post, Bustle, Pasadena Weekly, Yahoo News, the New York Daily News, and other outlets. In 2011, she won a Content of the Year Award from Yahoo! for a 9/11 tenth anniversary essay she wrote for the site. In 2020, she was named a Fellow by the Equality California Institute Leadership Academy. Lila is also the cofounder of VoteCaptain.org, a nonpartisan voter education site, and the producer and host of Brain Trust Live, a weekly independent political podcast started in 2012. She has worked in film and television production and development for fifteen years. Originally from New York City, Lila now lives in Los Angeles, California. Congressman Jerrold Nadler represents New Yorks 10th Congressional District, and has served in Congress for twenty-nine years. He is the current chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and served for thirteen years as chair or ranking member of its subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. He also served as the ranking member of the subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet, and was the vice chair and founding member of the Houses Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality Caucus, and coauthor of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, later leading the fight for its reauthorization. Congressman Nadler resides in New York City. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney represents New Yorks 12th Congressional District, and has served in Congress for twenty-eight years. The first woman to represent her district, Congresswoman Maloney was also the first woman to chair the Joint Economic Committee. She currently serves as chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and senior member ofthe House Financial Services Committee and theJoint Economic Committee. Maloney cofounded the House 9/11 Commission Caucus where she pushed for the legislation that created the 9/11 Commission. She also worked to create and fund what would become the World Trade Center Health Program, and fought to expand and reactivate the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Congresswoman Maloney sponsored the James Zadroga 9/11 Health Care and Compensation Act from its earliest iteration in 2006 to its passage in 2010, championing its reauthorizations in following years. Congresswoman Maloney resides in New York City.