Theme
What major historical event is the book based on?
The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (9/11).
Who is the main character in the 2001 storyline?
Brandon Chavez
In what year does Brandon's story take place?
2001
"Everything was falling." What event does this quote describe?
The collapse of the Twin Towers
Where is Brandon when the first plane hits?
Inside the North Tower elevator.
What is one major theme that connects both Brandon's and Reshmina's stories?
Courage in the face of fear/surviving during a crisis
Who is the main character in the 2019 storyline?
Reshmina
In what year does Reshmina's story take place?
2019
"We can't live our lives in fear." What theme does this quote represent?
Courage and resilience
What happens to Brandon's father?
He died in the 9/11 attacks.
What theme is shown when Reshmina helps Brandon/Taz, even though he's American?
Compassion and forgiveness
Who is Brandon's father, and where does he work?
His father, Leo Chavez, works in the restaurant Windows on the World, in the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Where is Brandon when the attacks happen?
In the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
Who says, "If you fight with hate, you'll never stop hating"?
Reshmina
How does Brandon survive the collapse of the towers?
He escapes with the help of a man named Ricard and others through the rubble.
How does the book show that war affects innocent people?
It shows how civilians, like Reshmina's family, suffer during conflict.
What is Reshmina's twin brother's name, and what does he want to do?
Pasoon - he wants to join the Taliban.
What country does Reshmina live in?
Afghanistan
What does Brandon realize when he says, "I have to help others, like Dad would have"?
That bravery means helping others when you're scared.
Who does Reshmina help in her story?
An American soldier named Taz
What message does Alan Gratz want readers to understand about revenge and hate?
That revenge leads to more violence - understanding and peace are better paths.
How do Brandon and Reshmina's stories connect at the end?
Brandon grows up and becomes a soldier who meets Reshmina years later in Afghanistan.
How does the difference in setting show how the world changed after 9/11?
It shows how 9/11 led to the U.S. war in Afghanistan, affecting people like Reshmina.
"In every tragedy, there are heroes." How does this quote connect both storylines?
Both stories show acts of heroism.
What do both Brandon and Reshmina learn by the end of the story?
Kindness and bravery can exist even in the darkest times.