Reviews

Seven and a Half of Tons of Steel by Janet Nolan

swtmarie's review

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3.0

A remarkable story of how a piece of tragic American history transformed into something memorable and patriotic. One of the steel beams that fell in the Twin Towers attack was transferred to a foundry in Louisiana where it was melted into liquid and transformed into the bow of the USS New York Navy ship. It took many years to complete but finally sailed home in time for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks. I find any stories that involve lesser known tidbits of history to be very interesting and I think it's important to share these stories with our children. Another story similar to this is Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree by Ann Magee that I would recommend. I also enjoyed the information in the back of the story that provided more details on the ship and it's crest.

rdyourbookcase's review

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3.0

The title is long and not very catchy, but the illustrations are beautiful. I learned from it, but the transitions were poor.

the_lobrarian's review

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  • Illustrations are pastel, colored pencil, and watercolor on archival 100% rag paper
  • Depictions of guns / highly militaristic themes

litlover13's review

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3.0

Moving beautiful story about how something so terrible can have a positive outcome. Also a simple book about 9/11 for a young audience relating it to today.

pandacat42's review

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3.0

I wanted some explanations as I don’t know much about ship parts.

Good for 1st to 2nd graders. You may want to have a book on ships to supplement.

cacia's review

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3.0

Quiet, but moving.

readingthroughtheages's review

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4.0

I'm glad we have these books that share the hope that was still alive on 9.11 and afterwards.

yapha's review

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3.0

My problem with this lovely book is its intended audience. It is written too simplistically for students who are old enough to understand 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina, and won't make sense to younger students. I'm not sure what to do with it.

michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review

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5.0

Very readable non-fiction with absolutely beautiful illustrations! A wonderful book to read to a class while studying Sept. 11th.

Themes: ships, history, Sept. 11th

kellyt_abc's review

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2.0

While the illustrations are gorgeous I believe I'm struggling with the overall tone, and to invoke Hurricane Katrina without featuring a single black or brown face is deeply, deeply troubling to me. I think this title could be used as a tool during discussion about the events of September 11th 2oo1, but would not stand up on its own.