- 11th book in a historical fiction series with a time traveling dog
- two kids are on the 91st floor when the building is hit by a plane
- ⚠️ advisory warning to families directly affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001
- convo: a boy is reading Harry Potter, general fear & chaos for people trying to descend stairwells, Ranger helps workers find bodies in the rubble (most are dead)
- language: thank God x1 (could have been true praise)
- includes great Author’s Note with more info
Type: chapter book
Ages: 9-12
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Kelley McMorris
Messner said this was the hardest book for her to write, and I don’t doubt it. To be honest, it took me so long to get to it because I knew it would be difficult to read…and, boy, it was. HOWEVER, it clearly affects adults who lived through 9-11 more than 8-12 year olds today. Messner does a fantastic job at covering this historical event for a new generation.
Two fifth graders are career-shadowing at the World Trade Center for the day. They are separated from the girl’s mother right before the first plane hits. As they and Ranger work their way down stairwells with others, the smells and sounds are practically palpable. The boy struggles with asthma but all are choking on concrete dust and smoke.
Our main families do eventually reunite, but the kids have quite the journey before that happens. I highly recommend this installment and will link to other Ranger reviews below after completing the series (one more to go)!