66 pages • 2 hours read •
Towers Falling
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Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
New York • 2010s
2016
Little, Brown and Company
Middle grade
8-12 years
410L
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.
Emotional
Hopeful
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
12,736 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
12,736 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pop
Pop
Dèja's father, who battles a mysterious illness that impacts his ability to support his family, deeply influences Dèja's perspective on home and family.
Ben
Ben
A new student who instantly forms a strong friendship with Dèja, Ben aids in her understanding of personal and historical events while dealing with his own family dynamics.
Miss Garcia
Miss Garcia
Dèja's supportive and challenging homeroom teacher who plays a key role in guiding her academic progress and personal growth.
Sabeen
Sabeen
A welcoming classmate who becomes friends with Dèja, Sabeen offers insights into cultural perspectives and experiences in post-9/11 America.
Towers Falling is used in educational settings to help children understand the impact of September 11, 2001, focusing on themes of resilience and community.
The author, Jewell Parker Rhodes, is well-known for writing books that tackle sensitive historical and cultural topics for young readers, often aiming to promote empathy and understanding.
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Towers Falling is part of a series of books for middle-grade readers by Jewell Parker Rhodes that includes Ghost Boys, another novel that addresses significant social issues.
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256
Novel • Fiction
New York • 2010s
2016
Little, Brown and Company
Middle grade
8-12 years
410L
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