This is an interesting work. While I think it has a lot to offer--easily accessible informational writing, great illustrations, engaging format, etc.--I'm not sure how much value this would have in a classroom. If a teacher wanted to discuss the 9/11 attacks in a unit, however, I would find this book useful. Apart from that, I don't see its value.
This is, more than anything, a way to get kids to read about and understand what happened on September 11. It is a graphic representation of the 9/11 Commission Report that was compiled by the government in the weeks after the attacks. Compared to that commission report, this book seems like a wonderful tool for teaching kids about the attacks, and it is, but compared with other texts, it just doesn't stack up. While the illustrations make it more digestible and a little more engaging, the problem remains that it is still just too sodden in information regarding motives and planning for the attack. All of this is indeed very interesting, but will kids who were not alive during this incident find it extremely interesting? My first thought tells me, for the most part, no. That said, I'm sure some students would find this a very engaging read.
Ultimately, though I see the value of this book, I don't see its value in my future classroom. Has anyone else thought about this book with regard to your classes? Has anyone else thought of interesting ways to incorporate this book into your classes? Finally, does this book have much sway with students today and in the future. Our students will not have experienced this event at all. Hell--I was only in 7th grade when it happened. This seems like it might be a challenge to get students engaged in the topic. For me, it would be easy--I can vividly remember what I was doing, where I was, etc. For my students, however, I can't expect the same. Anyway, those are my thoughts, I would love to hear yours!
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