This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth

(Hardback)

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Description

A month after the attacks on 9/11, a discovery was made at Ground Zero: a tree had endured the destruction. Dubbed the "Survivor Tree," its roots were snapped and burned and its branches broken. But in the thoughtful care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the surviving Callery pear was nursed back to health. This is the story of that tree-its journey out from underneath the rubble, its recovery in the Bronx, and its eventual return home to the 9/11 Memorial-and of a nation in recovery. Honoring the legacy of the World Trade Center, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of the city of New York, This Very Tree is a gorgeous, heartrending picture book whose triumphant story of survival speaks to America's past while looking toward its future.

Reviews

A Chickadee Award nominee, Children's Literature Assembly Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, and Bank Street Best Book of the Year

* "Splendid illustrations . . . A resonant, beautifully rendered testament to life and renewal." --Kirkus, starred review

* "Rubin's lively and energetic cartoon art takes the focus quickly from destruction and desolation to growth and renewal . . . A volume that could be part of any unit on 9/11 for children, or a lesson on resilience. " --Horn Book, starred review

"A poignant tribute to a city's resilience and a powerful introduction to the topic for young readers." --Publishers Weekly

"This beautiful book deserves a spot in elementary collections across the country." --School Library Journal

"A stirring story of hope and healing in the aftermath of immense tragedy." --Bookpage

"Inspiring . . . Particularly striking is the growth of the tree and the new tower at the site of the World Trade Center, shown in a series of parallel illustrations. Although the circumstances are different, this story of urban resilience and rebuilding remains relevant today." --Booklist

Author Bio

Sean Rubin was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is the illustrator of The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean, and the author/illustrator of the Bolivar series. In 2018, he was nominated for an Eisner Award for Bolivar. Sean graduated from Princeton University, where he met his wife, Lucy. They have two sons and live in Charlottesville, Virginia. seanrubin.com