“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

“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

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“Nolan’s recounting of the ship’s journey back to New York for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 is reverent, as is her handling of the terror that spawned it. Gonzalez’s cinematic illustrations capture a wide range of emotions with grandeur and warmth…. This is a stirring tribute.”―BookPage

“Nolan’s straightforward and informative text perfectly complements Gonzalez’s beautiful full-page illustrations to capture the enormity of the transformation…. This earnest picture book will help put the events of 9/11 in context for children too young to remember it themselves.” ―Booklist Online

“This is a great book for the power of its story and images, as well as for sharing an important time in American history.” ―School Library Connection

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Teachers’ Choices ―International Literacy Association,  2017

Comstock Read Aloud Book Award (Honor) ―Minnesota State University Moorhead, 2017

Delaware Diamonds Award (Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2018

Illinois Reads (Grades 3-5) ―Illinois Reading Council, 2017

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Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2017

Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Grades 3-5) ―Kentucky Association of School Librarians. 2018-2019

Magnolia Book Award (Short List, Grades 3-5) ―Mississippi Children’s Museum / MDE / MLA / MLC / USM, 2019

Books All Young Georgians Should Read ―Georgia Center for the Book, 2017

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Nonfiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2017-2018

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee, Picture Book) ―Maryland Association of School Librarians, 2017-2018

Charlotte Award (Nominee, Intermediate) ―New York State Reading Association, 2018

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2017-2018

Garden State Children’s Book Awards (Nonfiction Nominee) ―New Jersey Library Association, 2019

Great Lakes Great Books Award (Nominee, Grades 2-3)―Michigan Reading Association, 2017-2018

Horned Toad Tales (Nominee) ―Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, 2017-2018

Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of ILA, 2018-2019

Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Center for the Book, 2019

Show Me Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2018-2019

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Janet Nolan is the author of several 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. You can visit her website here.

Thomas Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, Tom 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 14 Cows for America, Seven and a Half Tons of Steel, and Countdown. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.