Monday, August 30, 2021

Children's book: 30,000 Stitches





About the book:

Discover the inspiring story of the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, traveled across all fifty states as it was repaired, and returned to New York as a restored symbol of unity.

In the days following September 11th, a 30-foot American flag hung torn and tattered at 90 West Street, across from Ground Zero. A few weeks later, the flag was taken down by a construction crew and tucked away in storage, where it stayed for nearly seven years.

The flag was brought out of storage in 2008 when the New York Says Thank You Foundation headed to Greensburg, Kansas, a town nearly destroyed by a tornado. NYSTY brought the flag with them, sparking a grassroots restoration effort that traveled over 120,000 miles across all fifty states, bringing together thousands of people, and helping America heal and rebuild . . . hand by hand, thread by thread, one stitch at a time.

This book is the story of that journey, a journey that ended at the opening of the National September 11 Museum, where the flag remains today. Along the way, the flag was restored using pieces of retired flags from every state—including a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on after he was shot at Ford's Theater and threads from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which flew at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. The pieces and threads were stitched in by military veterans, first responders, educators, students, community-service heroes, and family members of 9/11 victims, among others. At each stop, communities came together to remember, to heal, and to unite.
 
My thoughts:

This is a beautifully done book for children about the National 9/11 flag.  Young and old alike can learn something from this book. I did not know the flag had traveled through the fifty states so this was interesting for me.  It is appropriate for elementary aged children. This is a wonderful choice for a school library and to read to your class as we remember this tragic day. The restored flag is a symbol of hope,healing, and unity for our country.

I loved the illustrations by Sally Wern Comport. You will see snippets of the flag throughout the book.  At then end are photographs of people across the country adding stitches to the flag.  


Click here for more information..

I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

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