Die zehnjährige Deja kommt in die fünfte Klasse einer neuen Schule. Die Dinge zu Hause sind hart: Pop ist immer krank und traurig, Ma ist immer bei der Arbeit und Deja passt immer auf ihre kleinen Geschwister auf, während Pop schläft. Ihre neue Schule unterscheidet sich von allen anderen Orten, an denen Deja gewesen ist, und die Ausbildung in der jüngeren Geschichte, die Deja erhält, wird ihr Leben und das Leben ihrer Freunde und Familie für immer verändern.
Die Schüler werden die Auswirkungen von 9/11 auf die Charaktere in Towers Falling veranschaulichen.
Storyboard-Text
Deja
Pop und Ma
How are you feeling today, honey?
I have a headache.
Fräulein Garcia
Deja's family has struggled financially for years because of her father’s inability to work due to the emotional and physical impact that 9/11 left on him. Because of this, Deja’s mother is always at work and she must take care of her younger siblings.
Pop was in the North Tower when it collapsed. He lost friends and colleagues, and feels tremendous guilt over surviving. He has headaches and breathing problems, and is often too down to leave bed. Ma worries about him and works long hours to support the family.
Miss Garcia was in fifth grade in Manhattan on September 11th when the planes hit the towers. Her mother rushed to pick her up. She saw it first hand, and that is most likely why she is so passionate about teaching it.
Ben
Historische Auswirkungen
Sabeen
Ben’s father is in the military and fought in Afghanistan after September 11th. The experience changed him. His parents are now divorced and Ben rarely sees his father.
Sabeen’s family is Muslim. They have experienced a lot of prejudiced and judgement since September 11th.