Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story is a thoughtful middle-grade novel that follows four ordinary tweens as the city wakes to an unimaginable day. Set in the weeks surrounding September 11, 2001, this character-driven tale blends coming-of-age themes with a historic moment to explore identity, family, courage, and resilience. Written for middle school readers and anyone who wonders how big moments shape small lives, the book carries a hopeful, respectful tone that invites empathy and reflection.

In Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story, Baskin gives each of the four protagonists—Sergio in Brooklyn grappling with his absentee father and the loving presence of his grandmother; Will navigating the aftermath of his father's death; Naheed, a Muslim girl facing stares and questions at a new school; and Aimee adjusting to life in a new city while missing her mother—a distinct, believable voice. The narrative threads together in the days leading up to a historic moment, weaving their separate paths into one powerful tapestry. The book balances intimate, everyday moments with a broader sense of history, inviting readers to consider how strangers can become connected through shared experience and resilience.

• Four interconnected middle school voices and perspectives
• Set in the days leading up to September 11, 2001
• Themes of identity, loss, resilience, and connection
• Accessible, compassionate writing suited for middle-grade readers
• A thoughtful portrayal of a historic moment that honors memory while highlighting human strength

After finishing Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story, readers gain a compassionate understanding of how history touches everyday lives and a sense of hope in the power of empathy and connection that endures beyond tragedy.