Ground Zero

Publishing in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this tautly paced novel by Gratz (Resist) explores the events of that tragedy and the subsequent American response through two parallel story lines. In September of 2019, devoted student Reshmina, 11, lives in a mountainside village in Afghanistan, dreaming of a future other than marriage. When she rescues an American soldier who is wounded by the Taliban, her village becomes a Taliban target. On Sept. 11, 2001, after being suspended for standing up to a bully with his fists, nine-year-old Brooklynite Brandon Chavez accompanies his kitchen manager father to the Windows of the World restaurant in the World Trade Center's North Tower. In alternating perspectives, the narrative tackles grim realities of both scenarios, including ongoing violence in Afghanistan and bodies falling from the tower in New York, balancing the horrors with moments of grace and hope. While the U.S. story conveys immediacy and depth, the Afghan story lacks nuance, relying on simplistic explanations when describing the history of the Taliban and what draws Reshmina's twin brother to its ranks. Similarly, dialogue proves didactic as it works to convey the politics, history, and moral calculus surrounding the events. Ages 9-12. (Feb.)

Gr 4-7--Gratz (Refugee) writes a searing indictment of America's involvement in Afghanistan, told through two gripping parallel narratives. On September 11, 2001, nine-year-old Brandon accompanies his father to his job at New York City's World Trade Center. The two are separated during the ensuing terrorist attack, and, with help from others, Brandon survives. Eighteen years later, 11-year-old Reshmina, living in a remote Afghan village, sees her country and family devastated by the Taliban and the U.S. military, despite both armies' claims of protection. Brandon's and Reshmina's lives intertwine in a fateful encounter that challenges America's policies as well as its presence in Afghanistan, and puts a human face on the resulting suffering. Vivid details immerse readers in the two disparate settings. The plot starts at a heart-pounding pace and never relents: Brandon and Reshmina's lives are in danger at every turn. In a superbly structured plot, the two protagonists experience similar perils, and both respond with determination and hope. Gratz provides readers with a brief history of Afghanistan and its occupation by foreign powers. Speaking through Reshmina, he concludes "the United States had surely destroyed Afghanistan." The book includes extensive back matter, making it an excellent choice for classroom discussion. VERDICT A contemporary history lesson with the uplifting message that humanity's survival depends on us working for, not against, one another. A must-have.--Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem P.L., Holbrook, NY

Praise for Ground Zero:

* The pace is quick (don't blink or you'll miss something!), its emotions deeply authentic, and the highly visual settings resonate with accuracy. With a moving author's note, pertinent back matter, and a surprise twist which brings the book full circle, Gratz delivers another winning read. — Booklist, starred review

Gratz's deeply moving writing paints vivid images of the loss and fear of those who lived through the trauma of 9/11. — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Allies:

* A tour de force of war fiction. — Booklist, starred review

* Both an excellent, inclusive narration of important historical events and a fast-paced, entertaining read. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* A tautly paced and multifaceted portrait. . . . This gripping novel offers memorable insights into the contributions and alliances of everyday people. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

* A vivid and detailed snapshot of the D-Day Invasion from multiple complex and diverse characters . . . meticulously researched [and] honest. — School Library Journal, starred review

Praise for Grenade:

* Told by both young men, the story is gripping from start to finish as each encounters ambushes, engages in battles and experiences their devastating aftermath, and mourns the plight of innocent civilians caught in the middle. Impossible to put down, the story unapologetically demonstrates how war affects people emotionally and physically. . . . Action fans will have this flying off the shelves. — Booklist, starred review

The plot is suspenseful and the characters sympathetic. — Horn Book

Intense and fast-paced, this is a compelling, dark, yet ultimately heartening wartime story. — Kirkus Reviews

Gratz (Refugee) depicts the events and fallout of WWII's 'Love Day' while exploring the emotional and cultural damages of war. — Publishers Weekly

Chilling. — School Library Journal

The book illustrates the horrors of war and the narrators' dual realization that the enemy is a person, too. This is a sad and compelling story that sheds some light on a battle that is rarely mentioned in books written for juvenile readers. . . . Highly Recommended. — School Library Connection

Praise for Refugee:

An Amazon Best Book of the Year

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

A Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection

Unflinching and sympathetic. — The New York Times

Grade A: A stunning, poignant novel. — Entertainment Weekly

Harrowing, timely. — People Magazine

A gripping, visceral, and hold-your-breath intense story. — John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars

* Gratz accomplishes a feat that is nothing short of brilliant, offering a skillfully wrought narrative laced with global and intergenerational reverberations that signal hope for the future... Poignant, respectful, and historically accurate while pulsating with emotional turmoil, adventure, and suspense. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* [A] hard-hitting novel... Filled with both tragic loss and ample evidence of resilience, these memorable and tightly plotted stories contextualize and give voice to current refugee crises, underscoring that these journeys are born out of a desperate need for security and safety. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Gratz, who is known for well-written and well-researched historical fiction, doesn't disappoint. His latest is timely and moving... This compelling novel will help young people make sense of today's refugee crisis. Meant to be read, discussed, and shared widely. — School Library Journal

Some novels are engaging and some novels are important. Refugee is both. — #1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys

This heart-stopping novel is not only compelling — it is necessary. — Judy Blundell, National Book Award-winning author of What I Saw and How I Lied

An incredibly important, heartrending, edge-of-the-seat read, bringing light to the plight of immigrants who search for safety and freedom. — Pam Muñoz Ryan, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book Echo

With urgent, clear-eyed storytelling, Gratz's Refugee compellingly explores the desperation and strength that unites those struggling for a place to call home. — Eliot Schrefer, New York Times bestselling author and two-time National Book Award finalist of Rescued and Endangered

Full of struggle, heroism, and non-stop adventure, Refugee is not only an important book, it's a terrific story. — Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor Book The War That Saved My Life

Powerful and compelling. Refugee is a story about what unites us all. — Christina Diaz Gonzalez, award-winning author of Moving Target

Praise for Projekt 1065:

* While the book is replete with fascinating historical insight, Gratz has also crafted a suspenseful mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With short, action-packed chapters, it is a great choice for reluctant readers as well... A winning combination of action, suspense, and historical setting. — School Library Journal, starred review

* A rare insider's glimpse into the Hitler Youth: animated, well-researched, and thought-provoking. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

[A] high-action spy thriller. — Booklist

Praise for Code of Honor:

Readers will be swept up by both the intrigue and the rapid pacing... Kamran is a smart and sympathetic narrator, and readers will be happy to spend time with him in this action-packed thriller. — Kirkus Reviews

Exciting, at times ripped from the headlines, and scary, this cinematic work has layers of intrigue and danger in each scene... will appeal to a variety of readers and will raise questions about patriotism, loyalty, and trust... A winner. — School Library Journal

Vivid characters and timely topics, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, contribute to making Code of Honor a first-rate novel. — Voice of Youth Advocates

Praise for Prisoner B-3087:

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Golden Sower Award, 2014-2015 Winner Nebraska

Isinglass Teen Read Award, 2014-2015 Winner New Hampshire

Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award, 2014-2015 Winner

Junior Book Award, 2015-2016 Winner South Carolina

Grand Canyon Reader Award, 2015-2016 Winner Arizona

Truman Readers Award, 2015-2016 Winner Missouri

Reader's Choice Awards, Winner 2015-2016 Virginia

Volunteer State Book Award Winner, 2015-2016 Tennessee

A powerful story, well told. — School Library Journal

A bone-chilling tale not to be ignored. — Kirkus Reviews

[A] remarkable survival story. — Booklist

Gratz ably conveys... fatalism, yearning, and determination in the face of the unimaginable. — Publishers Weekly

Heartbreaking, gripping, raw, and emotional... storytelling at its finest. — Voice of Youth Advocates