This Very Tree

A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth

By: Sean Rubin

Narrated by: Jennifer Ceci

Length: 16 mins

Publisher's summary

A deeply moving story about community and resilience, from the point of view of the Callery pear tree that survived the attacks on September 11, from Eisner Award-nominated author-illustrator Sean Rubin.

"A resonant, beautifully rendered testament to life and renewal." (Kirkus, starred review)

In the 1970s, nestled between the newly completed Twin Towers in New York City, a Callery pear tree was planted. Over the years, the tree provided shade for people looking for a place to rest and a home for birds, along with the first blooms of spring.

On September 11, 2001, everything changed. The tree’s home was destroyed, and it was buried under the rubble. But a month after tragedy struck, a shocking discovery was made at Ground Zero: The tree had survived.

Dubbed the “Survivor Tree”, it was moved to the Bronx to recover. And in the thoughtful care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Callery pear was nursed back to health. Almost a decade later, the Survivor Tree returned home and was planted in the 9/11 Memorial to provide beauty and comfort...and also hope.

This is the story of that tree - and of a nation in recovery. Told from the tree’s perspective, This Very Tree is a touching tribute to first responders, the resilience of America, and the restorative power of community.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

©2021 Sean Rubin (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Narrator Jennifer Ceci is the voice of the "Survivor Tree", which miraculously survived the 9/11 attack that toppled the Twin Towers and buried it. Her tone is light and proud as the tree recalls its early days of providing shade and beauty to workers and visitors to the World Trade Center. In those moments subtle wind and bird sounds add atmosphere." (AudioFile)

"A poignant tribute to a city’s resilience and a powerful introduction to the topic for young readers." (Publishers Weekly)

"This beautiful book deserves a spot in elementary collections across the country." (School Library Journal)

"Rubin’s lively and energetic cartoon art takes the focus quickly from destruction and desolation to growth and renewal.... A volume that could be part of any unit on 9/11 for children, or a lesson on resilience." (Horn Book, starred review)

Beautiful telling

A lovely and gentle interpretation on the outcome of the Survivor Tree and what happened to it in the wake of 9/11. Gives a feeling of hope to a horrible event.

Just Okay

Nice little story, narration was okay, worth the price I guess, but then it was a small price.