Seven and a Half Tons of Steel
Peachtree Publishers, 2016
There is a ship, a navy ship. It is called the USS New York. It is big like other navy ships, and it sails like other navy ships, but there is something special about the USS New York.
Following the events of 9/11, seven and a half tons of steel from a beam in the World Trade Center was gifted to the US Navy, where it traveled to New
Orleans and weathered Hurricane Katrina to become the bow of the USS New York in an inspiring and hopeful story of rebuilding and redemption.
REVIEWS
“A deeply felt but not overwrought telling of a story that will be new to most young readers.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Gonzalez’s breathtaking spreads dazzle… The emphasis is not on damage and destruction, but on America’s power to recover. Teachers and parents looking for picture books that celebrate the nation and its military will welcome Nolan and Gonzalez’s work.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This beautiful, sober, and hopeful recounting of a difficult chapter in American history is a stellar addition to history collections.”
—School Library Journal
Seven and a Half Tons of Steel Awards
Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2018 - 2019
Magnolia Book Award, 2019
Land of Enchantment Award, 2018 - 2019
Show Me Readers Award!, 2018 - 2019
Alabama Camelia Children’s Book Award, 2019
Louisiana Readers’ Choice Award, 2019
Charlotte Award (Nominee) New York State Reading Association, 2018
Comstock Read Aloud Honor Books, 2017
The Georgia Center for the Book – Books All Young Georgians Should Read, 2017
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee) - Maryland Association of School Librarians, 2017 - 2018
ILA 2017 Teachers’ Choice Reading List
Illinois Reads (Grades 3-5) Illinois Reading Council, 2017
Horned Toad Tales (Nominee) - Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. 2017 - 2018
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Nominee, Grades 2-3) - Michigan Reading Association, 2017 - 2018
A Junior Library Guild Selection