Seven and a Half Tons of Steel

A moving 9-11 story about the USS New York, a navy ship with a bow made from a World Trade Center Towers beam.

“The emphasis is not on damage and destruction, but on America’s power to recover. Teachers and parents looking for picture books that celebrate the nation and its military will welcome Nolan and Gonzalez’s work.” ―Publishers Weekly

Following the events of September 11, 2001, a beam from the World Trade Center Towers was given to the United States Navy. The beam was driven from New York to a foundry in Louisiana, where the seven and a half tons of steel, which had once been a beam in the World Trade Center, became a navy ship’s bow.

Powerful text from Janet Nolan is paired with stunning illustrations from New York Times best-selling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez (14 Cows for America) in this inspiring story that reveals how something remarkable can emerge from a devastating event. Also includes details on shipbuilding. A beautiful book, perfect for American history and 9-11 studies.

Awards:

Teachers’ Choices ―International Literacy Association
Comstock Read Aloud Book Award (Honor) ―Minnesota State University Moorhead
Delaware Diamonds Award (Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association
Illinois Reads (Grades 3-5) ―Illinois Reading Council
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association
Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Grades 3-5) ―Kentucky Association of School Librarians
Magnolia Book Award (Short List, Grades 3-5) ―Mississippi Children’s Museum / MDE / MLA / MLC / USM
Books All Young Georgians Should Read ―Georgia Center for the Book