Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World

Written by Nikki Bergstresser 

Illustrated by Reilly Fitzgerald 

Plumleaf Press 

978-1-997872047

36 pp.

Ages 9–9

Releases June 30, 2026 

 

Explaining to children the terrorism of 9/11 is a big ask. But by focusing on the kindness of a community instead of wicked intentions, the message is one of positivity and not hatred. Gander did welcome the world and Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World tells that story. 

From Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World, written by Nikki Bergstresser, illustrated by Reilly Fitzgerald

What Nikki Bergstresser does is take the story of those stranded in Gander on September 11, 2001 down to the level of the people. Readers won't read about the events that prompted these extraordinary landings but rather see what they see and what they feel, only getting a vague picture of something big happening elsewhere.

The skies grew silent. Air travel around the world
came to a sudden stop. (pg. 5)

Who did know about what was happening were those in Gander who, seeing the news, jumped into action. They gathered supplies like bedding and towels, and toys for the children, and brought the passengers, who'd waited on their planes for upwards of 24 hours, to churches, schools, community halls, and home. They fed them, helped them make phone calls, comforted them, and showed them the heart of Gander.

From Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World, written by Nikki Bergstresser, illustrated by Reilly Fitzgerald

Though those who found safety in Gander are not named—more than 6,000 people on 38 planes arrived—there is one little girl with long dark braids who is often seen: listless on a plane, resting on a cot, or exploring the land and waters of Gander with her hosts. Nikki Bergstresser and Reilly Fitzgerald help personalize these experiences without making anyone a main character. After all, it's Gander that's the star.

From Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World, written by Nikki Bergstresser, illustrated by Reilly Fitzgerald

When Gander's guests finally get to continue their journeys six days after the first plane landed there, there's a rainbow casting the glow of good will. 

 

Many young children, particularly in Canada, may not be aware of the events of 9/11. Unless they were directly impacted by a relative who was there or by perhaps a parent who was pilot or a resident of Gander, most adults will not discuss the events of the day with them. But there is a way to speak to them about it with sensitivity, and Nikki Bergstresser's Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World would be a tasteful and enlightening way to do so. BC's Nikki Bergstresser packs a lot of depth in her words, conveying easily the exceptionality of this day with the natural response of these Ganderites and Newfoundlanders in general. Her words take us through those days by balancing the fears and confusion with action and kindness.  

From Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World, written by Nikki Bergstresser, illustrated by Reilly Fitzgerald

Reilly Fitzgerald's artwork relies on the authentic, much like the response of the community of Gander. Reminiscent of the artwork of Ted Harrison, Newfoundland's Reilly Fitzgerald uses acrylics to create bold illustrations, with elements heavily outlined in white or black. The impact is extraordinary in its confidence. He gives us scenes of people arriving, confused and frightened, and of people joyous in their heartwarming drive to help. And he gives us a Newfoundland that is expansive and welcoming.

 

Nikki Bergstresser and Reilly Fitzgerald have brought young readers a non-musical and more colourful version of "Come From Away." The complexity of emotions, from fear and confusion to compassion and determination, are all there, and tell the story of Gander stepping up to help those waylaid by the events of September 11. Whether used as a jumping off point for teaching a historical event or for character education, Gander: The Town That Welcomed the World will be a notable story for its retelling of a remarkable act of humanity.