Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the author of Ground Zero?
Who is the author of Ground Zero?
Alan Gratz
What point of view is Ground Zero written in?
What point of view is Ground Zero written in?
first person point of view
Who punched Stuart Pendleton in the nose at school and got suspended?
Who punched Stuart Pendleton in the nose at school and got suspended?
Brandon
Provide an example of a simile from the book.
Provide an example of a simile from the book.
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Provide an example of personification from the book.
Provide an example of personification from the book.
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Who works at Windows on the World?
Who works at Windows on the World?
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What happened at 8:46 on September 11, 2001, in New York City?
What happened at 8:46 on September 11, 2001, in New York City?
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Who lives in Afghanistan, practices English, wants to be a teacher, and has a twin brother?
Who lives in Afghanistan, practices English, wants to be a teacher, and has a twin brother?
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Who is Rashmina's twin brother who wanted to join the Taliban?
Who is Rashmina's twin brother who wanted to join the Taliban?
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Provide an example of onomatopoeia from the book.
Provide an example of onomatopoeia from the book.
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What is the group of extremist Muslims who took over Afghanistan in the 1990s?
What is the group of extremist Muslims who took over Afghanistan in the 1990s?
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What stuffed animal did the American soldier carry?
What stuffed animal did the American soldier carry?
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Why did the Taliban start a rumor that there were weapons in the village?
Why did the Taliban start a rumor that there were weapons in the village?
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What is the name of Rashmina's sister that was killed by American soldiers?
What is the name of Rashmina's sister that was killed by American soldiers?
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What idiom means to start again from the very beginning?
What idiom means to start again from the very beginning?
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What is the main idea or meaning of a story?
What is the main idea or meaning of a story?
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What describes the sequence of events in a story?
What describes the sequence of events in a story?
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What term refers to the time and place where a story takes place?
What term refers to the time and place where a story takes place?
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What do we call a person or other being in a story, which could be real or fictional?
What do we call a person or other being in a story, which could be real or fictional?
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What term describes a series of events in a story that create suspense, interest, and tension?
What term describes a series of events in a story that create suspense, interest, and tension?
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What is the term for the verbal exchange of two characters in a story?
What is the term for the verbal exchange of two characters in a story?
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What describes the unfolding or solution to the main issue in the story?
What describes the unfolding or solution to the main issue in the story?
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What is the main struggle in the story that needs to be resolved?
What is the main struggle in the story that needs to be resolved?
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Give an example of a problem or conflict involving Brandon.
Give an example of a problem or conflict involving Brandon.
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Who is the American soldier that seeks refuge in Rashmina's home?
Who is the American soldier that seeks refuge in Rashmina's home?
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Study Notes
Author and Perspective
- Ground Zero is authored by Alan Gratz.
- The story is narrated from a first-person point of view, allowing readers to connect intimately with the characters' experiences.
Characters and Relationships
- Brandon is known for punching Stuart Pendleton, resulting in his suspension from school.
- Leo Chavez works at Windows on the World, providing insight into life right before the 9/11 attacks.
- Reshmina, a resident of Afghanistan, aspires to be a teacher and practices English. She has a twin brother named Pasoon, who shows interest in joining the Taliban.
- Rashmina's sister, Hilla, tragically loses her life due to American soldiers.
Significant Events
- At 8:46 AM on September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower, marking a pivotal moment in history.
- The Taliban spread a rumor about weapons in a village, aiming to attack American soldiers retreating from the area.
Literary Devices
- Use of similes, such as "The elevator was LIKE a Tilt-a Whirl at Coney Island," to create vivid imagery.
- Personification is employed as shown in "The elevator groaned and complained."
- Onomatopoeia is evident in words like THOOM, BANG, CRASH, DING, BOOM, enhancing the impact of sound in the narrative.
Themes and Story Structure
- Key thematic elements include conflict, survival, and the harsh realities of war.
- Plot refers to the sequence of events that unfold in the story, driving the narrative forward.
- Rising action creates suspense and engages readers, building up to the climax of the story.
- Dialogue facilitates character development and reveals underlying tensions within the story.
Setting and Context
- The setting provides essential context, highlighting the contrast between life in New York City and the conflict in Afghanistan.
- Characters face various conflicts, such as Brandon being stuck in the elevator during the attacks, illustrating personal struggles amidst larger events.
Conflict and Resolution
- The main conflict revolves around the intricate relationships affected by war and tragedy.
- Resolution involves characters confronting their struggles and finding ways to cope with the aftermath of the events around them.
Symbols and Idioms
- The American soldier Taz Lowery seeks refuge in Rashmina's home, symbolizing the search for safety amidst chaos.
- "Clean slate" idiom conveys the idea of starting anew, free from past burdens.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the book 'Ground Zero' by Alan Gratz with these flashcards. This quiz covers key details about characters, points of view, and literary devices used in the text. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this powerful story.