All We Have Left by Wendy Mills
"All We Have Left" by Wendy Mills is about the events of 9/11, and how it has affected people before and after. It shows the lives of two teenage girls, Alia, a Muslim girl from the year 2001 and Jesse, a grieving girl from the year 2016. Alia must gain help from a stranger to escape the flaming, crumbling Twin Towers, as the attacks begin. Jesse and her family mourned the loss of her older brother, Travis, who died during 9/11. Driven by grief and curiosity, Jesse must now learn the truth about Travis' death.
I really loved this book, and I would recommend it for people who love historical fiction. I felt that the main characters and their stories were really well written, and I loved how they faced their conflicts. This was a window story for me, because while I wasn't alive during this time, reading this book gave me more insight to the people who lived during this time and I felt more empathetic. There is swearing, and sort of racial sayings, but overall, amazing story, and great characters.
Reviewed by Teona J., Grade 9
Pacific Park Library
Comments
This book is really emotional and powerful. I liked how it tells two stories at once because it helps you see both the immediate fear of 9/11 and how it still affects people years later. Some parts are intense, but not in a graphic way, it focuses more on feelings and choices. It made me think about empathy and understanding others’ perspectives. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes meaningful, emotional stories or historical fiction that connects past and present.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 11
Glendale Central Library