A moving 9-11 story about the USS New York, a navy ship with a bow made from a World Trade Center Tower's beam. 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. Gr 3–5—Nolan and Gonzalez have created a powerfully subtle work concerning the September 11, 2001, attacks and the U.S. Navy ship that contains refashioned tower wreckage in its structure. The book begins with 9/11 and the damage thereafter. One of the metal beams from Ground Zero was removed to a foundry in Louisiana, where it was reworked and shaped into the bow of the USS New York. The book also features another tragedy of the 2000s, as the USS New York's construction was affected by Hurricane Katrina. The text quietly guides readers through the narrative, with no more than a few sentences set on each page. Facts and figures related to the USS New York are presented after the main narrative. Gonzalez's full-page illustrations are brilliant, with every page plastered in heavy color. His bold palette, paired with folds and sharp edges, gives the work a fitting industrial ambience. The tones convey moods and action: deep reds, yellows, and oranges move across the metalworking furnace; black and gray clouds billow up from the towers across the page; and morning light streams bright against the hull of the ship. Images of destruction are shown respectfully yet dramatically. VERDICT This beautiful, sober, and hopeful recounting of a difficult chapter in American history is a stellar addition to history collections.—Jeffrey Meyer, Mt. Pleasant Public Library, IA "A deeply felt but not overwrought telling of a story that will be new to most young readers." —Kirkus Reviews "This beautiful, sober, and hopeful recounting of a difficult chapter in American history is a stellar addition to history collections." —School Library Journal "Gonzalez's breathtaking spreads dazzle. . . 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 Janet Nolan is the author of fiction, nonfiction, and historical fiction picture books. She has a BA from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and a master's degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She lives in Illinois. Thomas Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, he came to the United States when he was ten years old. He studied at the Atlanta School of Art (now called Savannah of Art and Design). After working at the Coca-Cola Company for more than twenty years, Tom held several creative positions with other global brands. He has illustrated many picture books, including the New York Times best-seller 14 Cows for America. He lives in Georgia.