The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story

by Cheryl Somers Aubin, Sheila Harrington (Illustrator)

Overview

Through evocative prose and watercolor illustrations, The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story takes the reader on a journey of hope and healing that parallels our nation's own journey following the events of September 11, 2001.

A month after the collapse of the Twin Towers, workers on the site discovered a few green leaves showing through the gray concrete and ash. Clearing the debris, they found a badly injured Callery Pear Tree. She was rescued, taken to a nursery outside the city, and put in the care of Richie, a City Parks Worker. No one was sure if she would live. But the following spring, a dove built a nest in her branches and new green buds appeared.

Over the years, the tree, although still bearing scars, grew tall and strong. She is planted in a place of honor on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and now known as "The 9/11 Survivor Tree." This story imaginatively describes the experience, memories, and feelings of the tree throughout her healing and her eventual return home.

All profits from the sale of this book go to charity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780983833406
Publisher:	Callery Press
Publication date:	07/29/2011
Pages:	44
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

2017-12-04
In Aubin's debut picture book inspired by a true story, the 9/11 Survivor Tree is nursed back to life.A badly damaged Callery pear tree is found in the rubble of the World Trade Center. Although she is scared, the tree is taken to a nursery where a city parks worker named Richie treats her with great care. As the tree recuperates, she recalls her experiences when she stood tall in New York City—watching ice skaters in the plaza during winter and seeing the budding romance of two people who ate lunch under her leaves. The tree's resilience gives hope to those who are sad, including a New York City firefighter who thanks her for surviving. When the tree recovers, Richie tells her that she will return to New York City as part of the 9/11 memorial. She is introduced in a special ceremony and dubbed the "9/11 Survivor Tree." The author anthropomorphizes the tree, giving the story an intimate, personal tone. The descriptions often illuminate the tree's emotions during her healing process. Aubin writes: "As they gently tamped the soft, rich soil around her roots, the tree felt as if she were being wrapped in a warm blanket and started to feel a little safer." Longer and denser than most picture books, this is a better pick for older readers. Harrington's colorful, watercolor illustrations add a dreamy quality to the story.A well-constructed tale with a worthy premise.

Kirkus Reviews