GROUND ZERO

GROUND ZERO by Alan Gratz

Gratz is a master at telling multiple stories at one time, and Ground Zero is no exception. Two stories are told following young people who are separated by 18 years and on different continents.

The first story is about a boy named Brandon, who after getting in trouble at school, goes to work with his father in the World Trade Center on Sept.11, 2001. This story is very powerful and moving as Brandon is separated from his father, and you hold your breath waiting to find out if they both make it out alive.

The second story is set in Afghanistan and follows Reshmina and her family who live in a small village. After their village becomes a battleground between the Taliban and the United States military, Reshmina saves the life of Taz, an American soldier. This puts Afghan lives in danger. Reshmina struggles between helping this soldier and the fact that the Afghan people don't want the Americans there.

I struggle with the second story. There's a lot that is very interesting that the Afghan people go through in their lives and under the threat of the Taliban. But is it true that they wanted American soldiers to just leave? I always thought the people were glad to have American help. I am going to have to do some talking with people I know that served in Afghanistan. With all this being said I am asking myself if Gratz is telling an accurate story or is political mumbo jumbo bleeding through?

HEADS UP- The Lord's name is used in vain 4-5 times.