Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree

by Ann Magee, Nicole Wong (Illustrator)

The journey of the Callery pear tree rescued from Ground Zero and replanted ten years later is presented alongside a wordless story following a girl and her firefighter uncle who is a 9/11 hero. Includes author's notes.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Historical, New York, Nature

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2021

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful yet it's so sad remembering the incident.

This storybook gives hope and comfort. But yes, it will always be difficult to read about World Trade Center incident that happened on September 1, 2001.

Thank you, author, the artist and the team for the effort.

I love the book so much.

Thank you for the advance reading copy.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a bright, sunny morning in September, when two skyscrapers came crashing down in lower Manhattan, brought low by one of the worst terrorist attacks in human history, the mounds of charred metal and debris buried a small Callery pear tree, formerly standing at the base of the World Trade Center. Astonishingly, this tree survived, clinging to life amidst the wreckage. When its few remaining green leaves were noticed by a rescue worker, the tree was excavated and evacuated, taken to a nursery in the Bronx, and slowly nursed back to health. Then, in 2011, on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it was returned to its former home, incorporated into the memorial park built to honor the victims of that terrible day...

It's hard for me to believe, but this coming September 11th will mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As notable dates and anniversaries tend to find their way into children's publishing, it is less surprising that a number of picture-books have either recently been published, or are forthcoming on the subject. Quite a few of them address the story of the survivor tree - a symbol of hope in dark times. May of this year saw the release of this title from author Ann Magee and illustrator Nicole Wong, as well as author/illustrator Sean Rubin's This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth . This coming August will bring author Marcie Colleen and illustrator Aaron Becker's Survivor Tree . In August of this past year (2020), Miracle of Little Tree: The 9/11 Survivor Tree's Incredible Story was released. Although quite popular recently, the story seems to have first been retold in picture-book form in 2011, on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, in Cheryl Somers Aubin and Sheila Harrington's The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story .**

Obviously, the tale of the survivor tree is an aspect of the larger 9/11 story that is considered very powerful, and particularly suitable for children. Perhaps this is because it symbolizes, not just the terrible hurt and damage done by the terrorist attack and its aftermath, but also the strength of survivors, their resilience, courage and gradual healing. It is a story of hope, and Magee and Wong capture that sense of hope here. I found myself weeping on more than one occasion, as I read this one, and I found both story and artwork immensely moving. This appears to be Magee's debut, which makes it particularly impressive. I wasn't sure at first that I cared for the opening scenes, in which the calamity of 9/11 intrudes, with no explanation given in the text as to what is going on, but then it occurred to me that this was a story from the tree's perspective, and that human actions and affairs would seem well-nigh incomprehensible to our arboreal friends at the best of times. This realization made the opening scenes even more powerful to me, and I appreciated how the narrative from the tree's perspective was paired with visuals that depicted both the events surrounding the tree, and the life of a family experiencing 9/11 and its aftermath. The artwork here from Wong, whose illustrations I know from Kate Milford's Bluecrowne and The Raconteur's Commonplace Book , was just lovely, and I appreciated the fact that a mixed-race family was depicted.

All in all, an immensely powerful and poignant book, one I would recommend to picture-book readers looking for 9/11 stories that emphasize hope and healing. For my own part, I plan to track down some of the other titles mentioned here, to see how they handle this tale.

** Readers might be interested to know that there is another survivor tree in the annals of terrorist attacks on America. After the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995, a small elm tree survived the wreckage of the Alfred P. Murrah Building, eventually going on to thrive, and to be christened "the survivor tree" as well. That story is told for children in Gaye Sanders and Pamela Behrend's The Survivor Tree .

[Andrea Pole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Branches of Hope by Ann Magee tells the story of the 9/11 survivor tree, a tree that was found at Ground Zero following the events of 9/11, and replanted at the Memorial site in 2011. Many young readers will not be familiar with the story behind the resilient tree, and this beautiful story serves as a tribute to those lost, and to a city that continues to thrive twenty years after the tragic event. This is a book that will be shared by family members, both young and old, for years to come.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for an ARC.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully lyrical book about a tree that survived the 911 bombing sends a clear message of hope. The illustrations, some of which resemble photographs, enhance the text with a more personal story. I read this book several times and each time had to blink back tears. It will touch the hearts of those who remember and those who will carry the story into the future.

[Violeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digital ARC provided by Netgalley

After the terrorist attacks of September 21, 2001, on the site of the former twin towers, the Americans opened a memorial to the public. On the walls of the foundations of the former towers were arranged huge fountains in which water falls and drains into a hole in the middle that seems bottomless. It is a place of mourning where Americans and not only them arrive, especially on 9/11 every year, as a place of pilgrimage. The two huge fountains are "framed" by a metal parapet on which are engraved the names of the 2,977 victims. There, in the empty space of the letters, the people who come put a rose or a flag as a sign of remembrance. The whole area is impressive, and at night especially, when the fountains are brightly lit, the whole complex gets a great emotional load.
One of the trees planted in the memorial market is known as the "Survivor Tree". This tree was recovered from under the rubble of one of the towers in October 2001. Initially planted in the 1970s, the tree was almost completely burned, but had a branch that was still alive when it was dug up. With the care received from those in the parks department of New York City, this branch was saved and in December 2010 the tree was replanted in the market.
The book has suggestive images and the text is simple, used especially for the kids to understand or imagine the huge tragedy that date impersonated.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's the thing....I am waiting for a book right along these lines to come from Aaron Becker (one of my favorite illustrators). So I kept comparing this book to what I am anticipating. That's on me. Additionally, I knew there was a wordless subplot transpiring but do you want the truth? It's not obvious it is an uncle/niece relationship. I wanted more details.....especially because it was a diverse family!!! It would have so cool to focus on (especially because I am on the fence as to whether or not the uncle died)

What I did love reading was the author's notes about limbs from this survivor tree. Going to other locations that have had their own tragedies. Bringing hope. That is a message that needs to carry throughout the world--especially in times like these.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Branches of Hope by Ann Magee tells the hopeful true story of a tree that continued to live in the ruins of 9/11. I loved this book! It is beautifully written and illustrated. I did not know about the tree that survived 9/11 until I read this book. This book , I believe, would be perfect for anyone to read because it encourages us to remain full of hope despite what happens and to never give up. I highly recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! (This review is also on GoodReads.)

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 18th May 2021

I really enjoyed this book, it was a beautiful, yet sad story, but also one of hope to me.

The book was easy to read and follow and it was a lovely story and a great way to remember the poignant events of 9/11.

It was well written and I liked the ending too.

It is 4 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The age for this book was hard to mail down. I think it will go over most kid’s heads, but the art style is definitely for little children. Nothing about how or why the attacks happened. Kinda confused on the second guy who randomly pops up in the story, I’m assuming he’s an uncle?

Interesting concept but not a good book for 9/11 education.

[Lindsey McDivitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Branches of Hope to be so touching and age appropriate. The author uses spare lyrical text to frame the story of the Callery Pear tree that survived the tragedy of the twin tower on 9/11. It's such a hopeful way to talk about the sad events with kids. I highly recommend it.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that approaches the atrocities of 9/11 in a kid friendly, appropriate way. I didn't know anything about this tree that survived the towers falling on it and that was nursed back to health. I also loved that this book had a story within the story.

[Kristen Nordstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN OUTSTANDING BOOK - A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY LIBRARY

This is a book that needs to be in every classroom or library. The gorgeous language combined with the parallel story told through the illustrations, is a powerful combination for telling the story of 9/11 to young readers. BRANCHES OF HOPE is a deeply-moving book that gives children room to process their thoughts and emotions of an American tragedy, while finding hope for the future. Congratulations to Ann Magee, debut author, and Nicole E. Wong on creating an important book for generations to come.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so sad that I didn't know about the Survivor Tree before I visited the 9/11 Memorial in July. Now I have a reason to go back!

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe a 3.5, because of the backmatter. The author admits the difficulty in reliving the events of 9/11 and it is a very difficult topic for many of us to read about. I liked This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth better because of the distancing provided by the tree's perspective.

[Tony Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written...a story of hope from a devastating and tragic event in our recent history.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine telling of a story I didn't even know of. Apparently a tree was noted in America for surviving 9/11, and was brought back to health in a nursery before being replanted as a symbol of ever-growing hope when the landscaping of the memorial area was completed. Cuttings get prepped and sent to places with a qualifyingly dark kinship with New York, having survived terrorism, gun crime, etc. A very simple narrative (this is in the 200 words a book category, and definitely not 200wpp) gives us just what we want, while the illustrations most excellently guide us through the story, with reference to one family witness to it all, both the near death experience the tree had and the rebirth later. A strong four stars.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a 5th grade teacher and I teach about this tree on 9/11. I could see myself using this book as a read aloud to help teach and spark interest about the tree and the tough conversation of 9/11. I think that the timing of this book is appropriate since we are approaching the 20th anniversary. I would recommend all classroom teachers to read this book to help lead a difficult conversation.

[Luciana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of hope, faith and growth. Told mostly through beautiful illustrations, it's perfect for all ages, with an amazing and important lesson that was left from a tragedy. It shows us how nature can survive anything, even in the dark of times, anything can reborn and bring light to the world.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Branches of Hope is another picture book about the Callory pear tree that survived after the collapse of the Twin Towers. Just like This Very Tree, it goes through the timeline of the tree's rescue, rehabilitation, and return to its original spot. The difference, however, is that also goes into what the city and nation did as the tree recovered, devoting their time to clean up and set up memorials for the lives lost. In each page that describes the tree's regrowth since the attack, an image of a family that follows along in their growth and change through the years too. Symbolizing the forever changes others endure since 9/11, and also bringing now hope to the future in ensuring peace as the children of the family grows up to become public service workers.

A nice tribute to the tree and the first responders of 9/11, Branches of Hope continues the theme of finding light in the time of darkness and opening a new, positive future with Magee's caring words and Wong's nostalgic illustrations of the early 2000s.

[Mikayla Stringfellow · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book in my fourth grade class as an introduction to 9/11. This book did a wonderful job of introducing 9/11 in a different view point. I definitely think this is a grade book to read to or with students and kids.

[Diane Witzig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remembrance

This book is a gentle way to tell the tragic story of 9/11/2001. Well done! Recommended book for young children.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of "rebirth" for a Callery pear tree found in the rubble at Ground Zero. This story shows the life of a young girl who looks up to her uncle who is a member of the FDNY. When tragedy struck on 9/11/2001, the world was in turmoil but in the midst of the rubble and destruction, a volunteer discovered a tree that was holding on to dear life. The tree is transported to a local nursery in the Bronx where it is cared for during the next ten years. As amazing as life is, the tree regrew some of its lost limbs and was transported back to its home at Ground Zero for a memorial and is known as the "Survivor Tree". The girl eventually follows in her uncle's footsteps and becomes a firefighter as well and visits the tree at the memorial site. Seedlings from the tree have been used in numerous states and countries where major devastation has occurred. I liked hearing about the back story of this tree and when reading it with my 10 year old son, he told me that he would like to visit the original tree one day in NYC. =)

[Cailey Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great story for young readers who still might need to learn about 9/11 while not being able to fully understand the drastic situation that it was. This story helps to make the impact of 9/11 understandable for young students when the topic is still being discussed in their classrooms. The story was well written for young readers. The story talks about the growth of the country after the terrorist attack in 9/11 and puts it in terms of what a elementary age student can understand.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

These intertwined stories—one in words and one in pictures—end up getting tangled up in confusing ways that obscure who the family is in the snapshot illustrations and how the Survivor Tree’s strength echoed the hope of a nation following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001. Endnotes contain helpful information to fill the holes in the story. Kudos to the author and illustrator for their attempt to tell this tale of such a harrowing moment in American history.

[Darlene Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amid the ruble of the World Trade Towers, a damaged pear tree that decorated the tower grounds was found, removed to a nursery, and nursed back to health. On the tenth anniversary of the attack, the tree was returned to the memorial. The story flows back and forth between words and illustrations, It is the story of a young girl and her growth and the tree's recovery against the backdrop of the story of NYC's rebuilding and resiliency. The girl's uncle was a firefighter that helped at Ground Zero. A story of hope and healing on many levels.

[Dylan Bingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story about a tree that survived the attack on 9/11 in New York City. Details about the events that occurred after the attack were told as the tree was saved from the rubble and replanted at the ground zero memorial. It depicted the change both the tree and people of the city went through as they adjusted from the attacks. This book has great illustrations and would be a great read every year around September 11 to share the story with children as well as bring back memories of the time the United States came together during one of the worst attacks of this great country of ours.

[caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really thought was interesting in this story was that you watched the progression of the tree almost as a character. You watch the tree go through many changes, but still standing no matter what. Even with the scars and burns left from 9/11, it was able to survive and thrive. Still, it had moments where it reflected that trauma, such as when the tree's leaves fell down like "flames". This shows how people who experience major traumas will have moments of fear and remembrance in a negative light, but still be able to grow and continue to thrive despite it.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many, the memories of that day haunt me. My daughter was four and my son had yet to be born... Much shock and sadness to be sure-- it lingers still, but I also remember how kind we were to each other in the aftermath. As a nation, we grieved and extended grace to each other liberally. I missed that kindness when it began to dissipate. And I long for that same type of response as we battle our latest foe. What will history say about this time in our nation? In the world?

[Autumn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very cute in the terms of a childrens book and brought a great way to discuss the tragedy of 9/11 without being too dark or scary for kids. It had beautiful pictures and I really liked how they talked about actual things like the tree which leads to kids becoming curious and have the desire to learn more as well as talked about the people who were affected by 9/11 and how everyone came together.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of the Callery pear tree that survived the 9/11 attack, was rescued from Ground Zero and replanted 10 years later at the memorial site. A beautiful tribute that reminds us all of our countries resilience and ability to unite and heal. The simple lyrical text and stunning illustrations make it a great conversation opener to use with our littles.