30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag

A 30’ × 20’ American flag that hung in New York City in the aftermath of 9/11 undergoes an extraordinary yearslong journey to be restored, before coming to rest in 2014 at the National September 11 Museum. Utilizing the refrain “The fabric of America...” Davis outlines the flag’s journey through each of the 50 states, where it was patched with other retired U.S. flags by a number of local leaders and citizens: “in New Mexico, near Navajo Nation, stories of survival and secret battle codes were shared as members of the Navajo Code Talkers placed stitches. The fabric of America unites.” Comport adds intricately collaged multimedia spreads so textured they’re almost tangible, employing newspaper clippings, stitched vignettes, and fabric panels while creating a cast of varying ages, abilities, sizes, and skin colors. A nationalistic nonfiction narrative that effectively informs about a symbol of hope. Back matter includes more about the flag and its restoration process, facts about the U.S. Flag Code, photographs, and an author’s note. Ages 5–8. (May)