Title: The Day the Towers Fell
Subtitle: The Story of September 11, 2001
Author: Maureen Crethan Santora
Illustrator: Patricia Santora Cardona
Publisher: The Ewings Publishing
ISBN: 979-8-88640-048-9
Pages: 32
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book / Historical / Educational / Tribute
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Hollywood Book Reviews
For those of us who watched and witnessed the events of 9/11, seeing either in person or on the never-blinking TV news coverage of this horrific event, the indelible memories of a catastrophe beyond belief will never be forgotten. But how does one explain this to the new generation of children nowadays? Author Maureen Crethan Santora teamed up with illustrator Patricia Santora Cardona to create a story, albeit dark and scary in nature, yet one which needs to be told. As pure evil is among us all, The Day the Towers Fell, tells a story of a seemingly ordinary Monday in New York City starting with the many things people do as they go to work when, at first, one of the World Trade Towers is hit by a jet plane, but more so, when the second tower gets hit, people then realized the United States was under attack from evil.
Maureen Crethan Santora dedicates this book to her family members who perished on this day, some in the police, firefighters, and ordinary citizens. As this event struck families everywhere, I too have had a friend die in this event. The Day the Towers Fell becomes a memorial text to those fallen heroes as well as the thousands of innocent victims.
The text of the story brings to light how a day, just like any day, had turned into the most disastrous inhumane act of violence and death imaginable, and how the world will never be the same since. Interleaved with drawings which transcend from a “happy day” – to – “hellish” death and destruction – further conveys the emotional impact this event has on all of us.
The Day the Towers Fell would not be suitable for a bedtime story, yet is ideal as an introduction to the event which changed our world – a world the youngsters will now have to grow up into. It may prove to be a platform for which children may ask the “why” question to their parents, so be prepared to further counsel your children with additional information after reading this together. I must admit there is an illustration on page 29 of two angels at the knees of a fallen firefighter which caused me to pause and think about this powerful message – which is worth 1,000 words, as they say. To all those who have lost someone when the Twin Towers disintegrated, may we never forget the lives lost, their sacrifice, and do what all we can to move forward with peace and gratitude. Amen.
The Day the Towers Fell: The Story of September 11, 2001 by Maureen Crethan Santora is a powerful tribute to a pivotal moment in history. This is a well-written book that educates and moves readers through its compelling and evocative illustrations. The illustrations complement the text perfectly, providing visual context which helps young readers grasp the magnitude of this tragedy. Maureen Crethan Santora has succeeded in creating a resource that helps young readers understand and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, ensuring that the legacy of that day is never forgotten.