66 pages 2 hours read

Jewell Parker Rhodes

Towers Falling

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Jewell Parker Rhodes’s Towers Falling, fifth-grader Dèja Barnes navigates her new school, grappling with her family's homelessness and her father's mysterious illness. Through a new curriculum focusing on 9/11, Dèja learns about the attacks' lasting impact, uncovering her father's direct connection to the tragedy. Ultimately, she gains a deeper understanding of her family’s struggles and the importance of remembering history. Sensitive topics include the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and their traumatic aftermath.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jewell Parker Rhodes' Towers Falling has received positive reviews for its sensitive handling of 9/11 and its impact on children today. Reviewers appreciate the novel’s exploration of historical events and their resonance with young readers. Some critiques mention that certain character developments feel rushed. Overall, the book successfully engages a younger audience with an important, complex topic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Towers Falling?

Readers who would enjoy Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes are typically middle-grade students, ages 8-12, who appreciate historical fiction and realistic fiction. They may also enjoy books like Number the Stars by Lois Lowry and Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, which weave historical events with personal growth and resilience.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

410L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

American Literature

Children's Literature

Topics

Race / Racism

Relationships

Grief / Death

Period

September 11 Attacks

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Identity: Race

Society: Community