Saved By The Boats: The Heroic Sea Evacuation of September 11
Julie Gassman, Author
Steve Moors, Illustrator
Capstone Press, Nonfiction, Aug. 16, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Terrorist Attack, September 11, Boats, Sea Evacuations, Civilians, Hope, Kindness
Opening: An arc of sky framed the city in brilliant blue. The bright, golden sun beamed with warmth. But just below, gray smoke swelled and snaked through the air. And, silently, white ash fell in a thick snowfall, coating the city.
Synopsis: September 11, 2011, was a dark day in U.S. history. Amid the chaos of the attacks, sea captains and crews raced by boat to the tragic scene. nearly 500,000 people on New York City’s Manhattan Island were rescued that day in what would later be called the largest sea evacuation in history. In this rarely told story of heroism, we come to understand that in our darkest hours, people shine brightly as a beacon of hope.
Why I like this book:
Julie Gassman’s powerful and inspiring story is based on her own personal experience of fleeing Manhattan by boat on September 11. Impressively researched, the narrative is presented in a straightforward, honest and compassionate manner. This beautifully crafted story demonstrates the best of humanity during times of tragedy.
This is a little known story about how ordinary captains of tugboats, ferry boats and private boats responded to the Coast Guard call and sped to the harbor to help 500,000 people escape the suffocating blanket of ash and travel to safety in Jersey City. Their spectacular demonstration of heroism deserves recognition. Their biggest concern was the safety of the passengers even though they knew that on open water they could be easy targets. Yet they continued to sail back and forth rescuing people and then carrying rescue workers, water and other supplies on their return.
Steve Moors soulful illustrations capture the crush of people with bewildered and dazed facial expressions, which are contrasted by the busy rescue workers wrapping people in towels and washing faces. His pen and ink drawings of the people and city is shaded in an ashen color, with a bright blue sky in the background. Yet, his artwork conveys a sense of hope.
Most of the youth who will read this book weren’t even born yet. Saved by the Boats really demonstrates to readers that during times of tragedy, we come together as Americans to help each other. With the country dealing with two recent hurricanes, it is an excellent time to encourage children to look for the acts of kindness and the heroic deeds of ordinary people as we help each other through a difficult time. It is an important book for youth in Grades 3-6 to read.
Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
Children's Books Heal 
We need to focus on the heroic and hopeful when faced with such tragedies. Without those we might just crumple, which would be good for no one. If I was aware of this at the time, I have forgotten. I think we were totally focused on the towers over here. Thanks for sharing. As you say, for most of the book’s readers, this is in the past. No so for many of us.
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Thank you for your comment. I agree with you. I always find myself looking for the goodness and grace around me during difficult times. Focusing on the ordinary individuals who become heroes and risk their lives to help others, is such a positive thing to share with children.
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It is indeed, Patricia. I always enjoy the books you share for their positive messages.
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Thank you! I appreciate your kind words.
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I agree with Nora on the need to focus on the positive. I bet many like me don’t know anything about this part of 9/11. Glad the author wrote about it.
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Like you I knew nothing about this important evacuation during of 9/11 until last year. I was surprised at how little attention it received, so I’m delighted there is a book for children about these heroes.
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Fascinating! I have heard very little of how boats were used during 9/11 and this fills that void. It’s hard to believe 16 years have passed. I’m glad this book was written. It adds to the literature on this topic and ensures we’ll always remember the bravery that went on that day.
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I had the same reaction. I never thought about how people on the streets and in areas close to the towers got away. This book does fill the void.
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This sounds like a really important book about 9/11. That was such an unforgettable day and Greg is right, it is hard to believe 16 years have already passed since it happened. Thanks for sharing this book on the anniversary.
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I’m pleased you enjoyed the book. It does focus on a group of heroes very few know about.
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I will be sure to read this one because I know very little about the evacuation by water on that awful day. Thank you for sharing it, Pat. How scary it must have been to be there when it happened. Hugs!
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Yes, I can’t imagine how scary that day was for those needing to flee Manhattan. I’m glad this story gives a more complete picture of that day. Great book for classrooms!
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I can’t believe I’ve heard nothing about this until I read your post! It sounds like a great way to approach the subject with young children.
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It is a very important story to read to kids to help them understand how people help each other. I hadn’t heard about it until last year.
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Read it. Loved it. Who will EVER forget that bright blue sky? Awesome choice.
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I am glad you loved this story of heroism. It really is a winner and important for youth.
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This is fascinating, a good addition to the literature for kids studying 9/11 in school. So many of the books seem the same, by having a different angle this one will definitely stand out.
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I agree, this book is a stand-out story and children need to know the heroism that occurred on the Hudson River that day.
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A very important story and so happy you have brought attention to it with your review. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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Glad you enjoyed this little-known story.
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I’m so happy to know this book exists! I remember hearing about the tug boats in NYC, but I’d forgotten it. I love that this book can share something of the heroism of that day with the rising generation!
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It is a very important story for kids to know about! I don’t remember hearing about the boats, but I may have and just forgot.
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I’ve never heard of this either. This sounds like a wonderful story. It reminds me of what Mr. Rogers said about tragedies: “Look for the heroes.” What a great message for kids.
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It is a great book for kids to see ordinary people acting in heroic ways to help others. Love this book.
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I had forgotten about the boats, but it was quite a wonderful thing. Great idea for a MG book. Thanks for telling me about this.
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I am delighted that Julie Gassman used her own experience and many years later wrote this wonderful book for young people!
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Wow! What a powerful story of heroism – it reminds me of the “Cajun Navy”, the loose group of boat captains who respond to flooding emergencies , and most recently the hurricanes.
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