School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-Sturdily bound in red, white, and blue, these titles open a 12-volume series with quick scans of the events of 9 11 and their immediate aftermath, along with inspiring anecdotes from survivors, and tributes to rescue workers. Wheeler's introductory account takes the broadest view, beginning with a riveting sequence of full-page photos depicting the World Trade Center burning and in ruins, fleeing pedestrians, and a wall of "missing person" notices, then going on to describe the fate of all four hijacked flights, rescue clean-up operations, and the genesis of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ground Zero pauses for a slightly closer look at the WTC's destruction, and Heroes of the Day focuses on people, from passengers aboard the flights to uniformed rescue workers, as well as the trained dogs that are working with the latter. The level of detail is not deep, but the authors usually distinguish between facts and speculation, and their narratives are enhanced by plenty of big, clear, color photos. Despite signs of a rush to publication, including recurring pictures and misused words, these titles will help younger readers toward a basic understanding of what happened on that day, if not its causes. Smaller or financially strapped libraries will find Wheeler's overview alone a satisfactory alternative to the entire, pricey series.-John Peters, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Each volume in this series covers a different aspect of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including homeland defense, rescue workers, and the response of the global community. The prose is adequate, and the accompanying color photos are not always well reproduced, but the events are so intrinsically dramatic that the books are sure to garner readers. All but [cf2]Leaders[cf1] and [cf2]Eagle[cf1] contain timelines. Glos., ind. [Review covers these War on Terrorism titles: [cf2]Operation Noble Eagle; Ground Zero; Heroes of the Day; United We Stand; America's Leaders; September 11, 2001[cf1].] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.