Illustrated by Nicole Xu
Kirkus Reviews *Starred Review*: “An affecting story of loss rooted in one specific tragedy.”
School Library Journal *Starred Review*: “…sensitively written and thoughtfully illustrated…”
Booklist: “This ultimately triumphant work of nonfiction reverently pays tribute to the memory of those whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy.”
The Horn Book: “Three important themes emerge in the tragedy’s aftermath: terrible, irreversible events will happen; people can help others work through their sadness; and hope can develop from despair.”
A Junior Library Guild selection
One April morning in Oklahoma City, something terrible happened. A man parked a truck in front of a big building. Inside that truck was a bomb. The bomb exploded. People were hurt. And killed. But that was not the end of the story.
Those who survived—and those who were forever changed—shared their stories and began to heal. Near the site of the bomb blast, an American elm began to heal as well. It grew new leaves. It produced seeds. It offered solace to those in Oklahoma City—and to those around the country and the world looking for ways to recover.
This moving remembrance from award-winning author Chris Barton and debut illustrator Nicole Xu commemorates what was lost and offers hope for the future.
40 pages
Ages 7 and up
February 2020
Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing
ISBN: 9781541526693
