We All Fall Down by Eric Walters is a tale of struggle in a fictional version of a real event.

Warning: Spoilers below.

Eric Walters came to my elementary school (yeah, I feel old, I read this YEARS ago initially) and brought a giant amount of his books. I ended up reading quite a bit by him and I wish I could find more because I remember loving him. The worst part about this book for me (back in the day of course) was one of my bullies in school did a book review on it as well and used his book review to make fun of me for reading the book. Which basically left me with a sour taste in my mouth for this book (despite it not being this book's fault).

But now for the real review...

This book is sad. Really sad. But when you look at the events it is based off of, it's understandable why it's so sad. Especially when it's introducing a young audience to such a big event! But I think Eric did a great job with this novel. When I first read this book when I was younger I did NOT understand how big this event was. I was pretty young and didn't understand what explosions and twin towers were (I was more focused on Power Rangers, Sailor Moon and if there was a new Disney movie coming out). Having this book and having conversations with my parents, teachers and classmates involving this situation was a BIG step for me - and I applaud this book for making it possible.

Overall, this is a unique book. I like that it brings tough events up to a younger audience and leaves room for conversations. Is it totally realistic? Absolutely not. Did it need to be? No. As a kid, I don't think I would have been prepared for these characters to die - I couldn't contemplate death. Having bad things happen within the realm of reality was a much better alternative.

This book isn't just made for kids as I keep saying, but as someone who read it as an adult and as a child, I truly respect it. It's hard to write a book about real events, have it written in a respectful and truthful way, and have it be good. Good job Eric!

Five out of five stars. ( )

It is September 11th 2001. Will goes to his dad's office for Take Your Kid To Work Day. His dad works in one of the twin towers in New York.

It started out like any other day in his dad's office. That is, until they witness the first plane crash into the other tower! At first they didn't know what happened. Then they see it on CNN. They find out that a plane had crashed into the tower and that all the passengers on board had died. Will's dad, being the fire warden of his floor, orders all the people to evacuate the building, even though it wasn't their building that was hit. Some people insisted on staying. They said that they are safe. That is, until another plane crashes into their building! Will and his dad prepare to leave, but they are above where the plane hit! Will they make it out alive? You will have to find out! ( )

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to get a point of view from someone living the experience of September 11th and what that might be like. Eric Walters rarely disappoints.

***SPOILER ALERT***
Ok, so here's the thing. Yes, this book was written with adequate descriptions of the events that could have happened to these fictional characters, and yes the events surrounding September 11, 2001 were extremely tragic. Having said that, I don't think that Eric Walters was really able to evoke the true emotion that was felt by so many on that fateful day with the ending that was written. It was far too happy. While I understand that a happy ending is what so many readers seek, it did not connect me emotionally in a way that really gave me an idea of what was being felt by those who lost loved ones in the attacks.
Definitley not my favourite Eric Walters book. ( )

I thought that is was a very good book. Eric Walters the author of the book did a very good job of keeping the reader in the book the whole time. The book also gave you alot of good and interesting facts about the twin towers. Sawyer.F ( )