eleven
by tom rogers
the journey of a boy turning eleven on 9/11
“A thoroughly engaging piece about a very difficult subject. Very well written – funny and emotional from beginning to end. And I loved Radar.”
— Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios
~ Selected for sale by the 9/11 Memorial Museum store ~
The Book
Alex Douglas always wanted to be a hero. But nothing heroic ever happened to Alex. Nothing, that is, until his eleventh birthday. When Alex rescues a stray dog as a birthday gift to himself, he doesn’t think his life can get much better. Radar, his new dog, pretty much feels the same way. But this day has bigger things in store for both of them.
This is a story about bullies and heroes. About tragedy and hope. About enemies with two legs and friends with four, and pesky little sisters and cranky old men, and an unexpected lesson in kindness delivered with a slice of pizza.
This is Eleven: the journey of a boy turning eleven on 9/11.
The Author
Emmy-winning screenwriter and author Tom Rogers has written numerous animated films and TV shows, including Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First, The Lion King 1½, Kronk’s New Groove, LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers, and Disney’s Tinker Bell movies. He is currently creator and showrunner of The Chicken Squad, debuting on Disney Jr. in 2021. Originally from Texas, he now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and tango partner, Jennifer. Eleven is his first novel for young adults.
“Riveting debut middle-grade novel.”
– Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Tom Rogers has told the story in a way that most parents and educators have struggled to accomplish. It’s a thoughtful and important book for readers of all ages.”
– DOWNTOWN Magazine NYC
For Teachers and Students
Do you have resources to help me teach Eleven?
Yes! Click the link below for a discussion guide with links to reference sources.
Can we talk?
Absolutely.
How?
Just ask! Tom does video chats several times a week with classrooms (and sometimes entire schools) across the country and around the world. They’re easy to set up and free for up to an hour. Just send us an email at info@eleventhebook.com.
If you love Eleven…
here are some other great books for kids about 9/11
“It’s a really lovely novel about an important subject that I think kids will really connect with. We’re absolutely loving it here – both staff and patrons alike!”
– Cate Merlin, Young Adult Services Coordinator, Attleboro (MA) Public Library
Chapter Excerpts
You Smell Like a Monkey
Chapter 4 excerpt
8:05 a.m.
The yellow bus rumbled through a tumbledown section of town, an industrial no-man’s-land of railroad tracks, warehouses, and empty factories with broken windows and rusted steel roofs. The bus didn’t stop here, because no kids lived here.
The sound of the tires changed to a high-pitched hum as the bus crossed a tall bridge that soared over a rail yard and a narrow river. Alex turned to look out the window …
A Dog’s Life
Chapter 10 excerpt
10:34 a.m.
“Here, Max.”
Alex called to the dog, who had stopped to sniff a light pole. The dog didn’t respond but moved on to investigate a trash can.
Nunu looked at him funny. “Who’s Max?”
“I’m trying out my top ten dog names. Does he look like a Max to you?”
Alex made a face. “Muffin?” …
The Man in the White Shirt
Chapter 13 excerpt
10:02 a.m.
The Man in the White Shirt staggered through the choking gray cloud. He couldn’t see where he was going. He couldn’t see anything.
He nearly crashed into a light pole that appeared a foot in front of him.
He heard others around him, panting as they ran.
Someone slammed into him from behind and then disappeared into the cloud …
“Eleven is a wonderfully written work of historical fiction and would be the perfect tool to use in the classroom.”
– Jesse Reingold, teacher, Los Angeles Unified School District