Seven and a Half Tons of Steel

The USS New York is big like other navy ships, and it sails like other navy ships, but there is something special about this navy ship.

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 in this inspiring story that reveals how something remarkable can emerge from a devastating event. Read the Q&A with the author and illustrator here.

Check out the teacher’s guide.

14 Cows for America

“September 11 is a date that will remain a significant and important date in American history forever. It’s hard to imagine that it will ever fade away, so there will certainly always be a need to help children understand the events of that day. One good way to help them understand is to read some books with them about those events. Books are a wonderful way to help you talk to your child about 9/11 too.”

“As we approach the 15th anniversary of 9.11, I want to share some books with you. These books are meant for our students, to help them understand a little bit more about our history.”

Michele Knott shares perhaps the most comprehensive list of books that address 9/11. With picture books, middle grade books, and young adult level books, you are sure to find something for your child or student in this thoughtful compilation.

“In children’s literature, current events become past events at a ruthless pace. Today’s preteens weren’t even alive in 2001; for them the 9/11 attacks live in the same mental hinterland as, say, D-Day…With the 15th anniversary coming up, the latest crop of children’s books on the topic are less about processing a tragedy than about finding new ways to introduce one.”

If you are looking for middle grade level novels, Eliot Schrefer comprehensively reviews two books that should be on your list.

Janet, what was your inspiration for this book? 

JN: I was driving my car, listening to the radio, when I heard a brief story about the USS New York. I remember sitting in traffic being quietly amazed, surprised to learn steel from the World Trade Center towers had been used in the building of a navy ship. What struck me at the time, and has stayed with me ever since, was the feeling that something positive and powerful had emerged from a tragic event. I knew I’d discovered a story I had to write. And from the beginning, I believed this was a story about transformation and hope.

What was so special about this ship?

JN: The first page of the book reads: “There is a ship, a navy ship. It is called the USS New York. It is big like other navy ships, and it sails like other navy ships, but there is something different, something special about the USS New York.” I believe the USS New York is special, not only because of the seven and a half tons of steel in its bow but also because of the men and women who built and serve on the ship. The ship’s motto is “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.” I believe the USS New York is more than a navy ship. It is a testament to hope, rebuilding, and redemption.

How much research did you do?

JN: I knew almost nothing about forging steel or shipbuilding when I began researching this book. Fortunately, other people did. I conducted phone interviews, read every news article I could get my hands on, watched countless news clips and videos, and was a frequent visitor to the ship’s website. I was touched by the generosity of librarians and retired military who were willing to guide me in the right direction and answer my many questions, big and small.

There are so many events in the life of this one beam. How did you winnow them down to the ones you explore in the book? How did you choose which ones to include and which ones to leave out? 

JN: What first drew me to this story was the idea of transformation. How tragedy could be recast as strength and hope. In choosing what to include and what to exclude, I stayed close to the beam and followed it on its transformative journey. The book begins with the events of September 11 and the outpouring of emotion at Ground Zero, but when the beam leaves New York, the story follows the beam.

While Janet Nolan provides the true story about the transformation of the beam into the ship’s bow in this picture book, the story of the USS New York continues in the real world as it sails around the world transporting U.S. Marines to dozens of countries and bases. If you are interested in learning more about what this historic and symbolic ship has been doing since its creation, check out these resources:

– This New York Times article describes the beginning of last leg of the new warship’s journey from the foundry in Louisiana back to New York City. Learn a little bit about the crew that manned the ship for the very first time.

– Read in this article about the ceremony and excitement that accompanied the USS New York‘s arrival in New York City. Hear from crew members about their experience of that homecoming.

U.S.S. New York Arrives in Namesake City

– The official website for the USS New York is also a great resource to see more pictures of the real ship and find out what the ship is doing around the world.

– The USS New York was just one piece of the many projects that grew out of a desire to rebuild from the ashes of the events of 9/11. Read about the last 15 years of reconstruction that has been happening in New York City and throughout the country in the New York Times 9/11 Reconstruction archives.

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel comes out August 1! Look for it at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Interested in what other books we are publishing this season? Check out our list of new books here!

Debbie Higgins & her 14 Cows quilt

A few weeks ago, I came across a beautiful quilt inspired by Carmen Agra Deedy’s 14 Cows for America. I was genuinely touched by the artistry and emotion it conveyed, so, in honor of this day of remembrance, I’ve invited Debbie Higgins–the creator of the 14 Cows quilt–to share the initiative behind it.