Kids' Books About 9/11

Kids curious about what happened during and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks can check out these books for various ages, from picture books to tween and teen novels, that describe or touch on the tragic events of that day in 2001. These compelling stories show the extraordinary heroism of ordinary people. And one celebrates the towers before they fell, when one man dared to walk between them on a tightrope. Young readers who like facts and historical context can also explore our Best Nonfiction Books for Kids and Historical Fiction.

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers Poster Image
BOOK

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

age 4+

A man's daring stunt atop the World Trade Center towers.

By: Mordecai Gerstein (2004)
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of John J. Harvey Poster Image
BOOK

Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of John J. Harvey

age 8+

An old New York fireboat offers heroic help on 9/11.

By: Maira Kalman (2005)
America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell Poster Image
BOOK

America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell

age 9+

Frank picture book account of 9/11 balances fact, feeling.

By: Don Brown (2011)
Ground Zero Poster Image
BOOK

Ground Zero

age 10+

Intense, compelling novel about 9/11 and its aftermath.

By: Alan Gratz (2021)
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story Poster Image
BOOK

Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story

age 10+

Thought-provoking story of four kids affected by 9/11.

By: Nora Raleigh Baskin (2016)
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BOOK

Shooting Kabul

age 10+

Life and 9/11 through lens of 11-year-old Afghan immigrant.

By: N.H. Senzai (2011)
Towers Falling Poster Image
BOOK

Towers Falling

age 10+

Moving, sometimes harrowing story of learning about 9/11.

Bullyville Poster Image
BOOK

Bullyville

age 12+

Boy loses dad in 9/11, then faces school bullies.

By: Francine Prose (2007)
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BOOK

Time Riders

age 12+

Time-traveling thriller puts three teens in NYC on 9/11.

By: Alex Scarrow (2010)
Love Is the Higher Law Poster Image
BOOK

Love Is the Higher Law

age 14+

NYC teens react to 9/11 tragedy in beautiful story of hope.

By: David Levithan (2009)
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Poster Image
BOOK

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

age 16+

Moving tale of young boy grieving loss of dad on 9/11.