Jacqueline Jules was a local school teacher and librarian when 911 hit the Pentagon. “Everyone still remembers where they were that day. It was a conversation for days, and every year when the anniversary came up, they talked about it.
“But I discovered children in Arlington may have known about the Twin Towers in New York but didn’t seem to know what happened at the Pentagon, the seat of our military, in their own backyard. They were shocked.”
So after many years of thinking about it, Jules decided in 2019 to put together “Smoke at the PENTAGON,” a book of children’s poetry compositions reflecting memories from that day. “It was a composite of stories of friends, children and my own reflections. Each poem is built on real memories, written for emotional trust.”
The book contains a poem from 14-year-old Josselyn about the race to the grocery store to fill the cart with cans of peas. “I”ve never seen the store like this. Someone at every elbow filling carts to the brim. And stranger still everyone so quiet.”
Another from 10-year-old Reuben about the man who lived three townhouses down from him who worked at the Pentagon and didn’t come home. And the neighborhood get-together with quesadillas, falafel and pho “like international day at school except no dancing, music, more tears than smiles.”
Five-year-old Kelvin describes his teacher’s reaction but he didn’t know what had caused it.
“Miss Susan, the teacher calls come NOW. She waves her arms.
When I get close, she grabs my hand
Like she is pulling me away from the street
Her eyes are big, so big
Her eyebrows looks too high up on her face
And her breath is so heavy I can hear it.”
Jules says, “The experience shouldn’t be overlooked and how it changed our community. We are approaching the 25th anniversary of 911 this year.”
She continues, “It is a story of resilience; the Pentagon was rebuilt in a year. It shows we can suffer terrible things but rebuild.
“I think since what happened is not part of the curriculum it is not frequently taught in schools which focus on testing. There isn’t time in the classroom for discussion so children really do grow up not knowing what happened.”
Jules recounts an experience in 2008 where she had turned on the television in the library before school. It was Sept. 11. The Marines were ringing the bell and people were reading the names of the fallen. Some students came in and realized it was the Pentagon and looked at it and asked what was happening. “My students had no idea.
“It may be difficult to discuss ideas like this with kids. That’s why you write children’s books so you have an opportunity to discuss it.”
Jules is the author of over 50 books including several series of children’s chapter books focused on teaching reading skills including the Zapato Power series, the Sofia Martinez series, “My Name is Hamburger,” “Tag Your Dreams,” and “Smoke at the Pentagon.” Visit www.jacquelinejules.com to learn more.
