Survivor Tree - by Marcie Colleen (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Callery pear tree standing at the base of the World Trade Center is almost destroyed on September 11, but it is pulled from the rubble, coaxed back to life, and replanted as part of the 9/11 memorial.

Book Synopsis

This hopeful story of a resilient tree that grew (and still grows) at the base of the twin towers is a simple introduction for young readers to gain an understanding of September 11th and the impact it had on America.

One September day, the perfect blue sky exploded. Dust billowed. Buildings crumbled. And underneath it all, a tree sprouted green leaves in its distress. Pulled from the wreckage, the tree saw many seasons pass as it slowly recovered far away from home. Until one day, forever scarred and forever stronger, it was replanted at the 9/11 Memorial.

This story of the real Survivor Tree uses nature's cycle of colors to reflect on the hope and healing that come after a tragedy--and assures readers of their own remarkable resilience.

Review Quotes

An Arkansas Diamond Primary Award Nominee

Best Children's Books of the Year 2022.--Bank Street College of Education

"Children's Choices 2022 list."
--The Cooperative Children's Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

"2022 Notable Social Studies Trade Books list."--National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the Children's Book Council

"ALA Notable Books for Children's Books 2022."--Association for Library Service to Children

"A sensitive, accessible entry point into a relatively recent tragedy."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Eloquent.... A moving history and tribute to resilience."--Booklist, starred review

"Lyrical prose.... Lovely, elongated watercolor and colored-pencil compositions.... This one is particularly suited to young audiences and perfectly reflects the book's dedication: 'May peace and hope grow from the darkest of our days.'"--Horn Book, starred review

"A story of history and hope, of tragedy and resilience."--Midwest Book Review

"Survivor Tree, which marks the 20-year anniversary of 9/11, is like its subject: a stately monument to resilience."--Shelf Awareness

* "A lovely 20th-anniversary tribute to the towers and all who perished--and survived."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

About the Author

Marcie Colleen is the author of numerous books for children, among them Love, Triangle; Penguinaut!; The Bear's Garden; and the Super Happy Party Bears chapter book series. A Brooklynite at heart, she now lives in San Diego, California. Marcie invites you to visit her online at thisismarciecolleen.com.

Aaron Becker is the creator of the Caldecott Honor Book Journey and two follow-up books in the trilogy: Quest and Return. He is also the creator of A Stone for Sascha and the board books You Are Light and My Favorite Color. Aaron lives with his family in Amherst, Massachusetts. Short films of his process, as well as prints of his artwork, can by found at storybreathing.com.