For fifth grader Dèja, it's tough enough starting school in a new neighborhood. Projects about her home and family only highlight how different she is from her classmates. Does her teacher really want an essay about living in a shelter? When Miss Garcia suggests that all her assignments have something to do with the two towers missing from the skyline out their classroom windows, Dèja is just confused. She sets off on a journey of discovery, with new friends Ben and Sabeen by her side. But just as she gets closer to figuring it all out - who she is, what it means to be American, and how her community can grow (and heal?) - she uncovers new questions, too. Like, why does Pop get so angry whenever she mentions the towers? -- from dust jacket.