This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth. Written and illustrated by Sean Rubin. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2021. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

 "Some trees like a quiet park or forest, 
but I was a city tree. 
  I liked the sound of wind rushing 
between the tall buildings.
  I liked the smell of rain
on concrete in the summer. 
  I liked being in my plaza, 
watching everyone 
   coming 
      and going. 

I was in my plaza the day it happened."

I didn't have this book in September when I shared Survivor Tree with you. Posting it today will give you plenty of time to add it to your library. That way, you will have both stories to share with your students or children next year. It is a story well-worth telling. Quite remarkable, in fact! 

Sean Rubin grew up in New York City, and had visited the World Trade Center as a kindergarten child. When his agent asked him to consider writing a story about it, he wasn't keen to return to that particular day and time. As he learned about the tree itself, he considered it a hometown friend and neighbor. The idea for a book began to take root, and became this notable story. 

Using a first-person voice, the tree introduces the plaza between the towers where it was initially planted.  It explains that it had a job to do; it provided shade, gave birds a place to rest, announced the arrival of spring with its blossoms. It was a city tree. One very typical morning, its world changed. The resulting chaos was unbearable and left the tree alone in deep darkness. 

It took weeks to be found, and taken to a quiet park. As the years passed, the tree changed as did its old home. Eventually the decision was made to take the tree back to where it belonged. 

"Then I saw it. 
One shining spire, and many 
more towers, surrounding a new plaza. 

And in the plaza, 
they had planted a forest. 
          It was filled with TREES."

Since 2010 the tree has new life, and a new job ... a symbol for peace, hope, and renewal. 

I cannot possibly do justice to the wonderful artwork, done in pencil and then digitally colored, that Sean Rubin has created. Driven by precise research, his detailed, emotional account of the tree's discovery in the ruins through its return to the plaza presents a story sure to impact those who share it. 

Back matter is plentiful, and worthwhile.