The Books of Author A.B. Curtiss

The Little Chapel That Stood

Description

THE LITTLE CHAPEL THAT STOOD is considered by reviewers and teacher as the best children's book ever written about 9/11. It was chosen by the Smithsonian Institution as the feature book for its online interative 9/11 Project. The Smithsonian provides online activities, available free of charge, for teachers, parents, students and after school education professionals based on the book. According to the Smithsonian “It is a wonderful work of children’s literature that balances historical fact with an uplifting message. Its powerful narrative makes it the perfect fit for a new Smithsonian OurStory module focused on a difficult anniversary. Visit the Smithsonian Institution section on The Little Chapel that Stood here.”

It was declared a historical artifact by Duquesne University and was the subject of a doctoral thesis by M. B. Kerle. The thesis proved that after reading the book, school children talked about 9/11 less in terms of death and destruction, and more in terms of the courage and freedom of the American people. THE LITTLE CHAPEL THAT STOOD also inspired a New York City School Teacher, to start an organization called Youth USA to advocate the teaching of the U.S. Constitution in all New York City schools. The book was also read to the jury in the trial of the 20th hijacker to make the point that America has never been a victim, not even on 9/11. On that fateful day, everyone pulled together courageously, people risked their own lives to help strangers down the Tower stairs to safety, small children waved "thank you" signs to passing fireman. Even on 9/11 America was not a victim. The "Land of the brave and the free" proved itself again, a great nation.

Alexander Hamilton and George Washington were members of this little chapel, built in 1776. Less than 100 yards from the Twin Towers, it miraculously survived and became the service depot for the rescue workers at Ground Zero. This book reminds us that terror cannot win because it is insubstantial and temporary. Freedom and courage are abiding. America transcends our enemies because we are the land of the free and the home of the brave as symbolized by this historic chapel that stood firm on 9-11.