Book inspired by 9/11 tragedy

A FREELANCE journalist who grew up in Warrington and was inspired by teachers at two local schools has written a book based on the 9/11 attacks.
Catherine Bruton (nee Price) 38, (pictured right) whose family and friends still live in Lymm, is a former pupil of Cherry Tree Primary School and Lymm High School and now works as a teacher.
“We Can be Heroes” was inspired by an article she wrote for The Times in 2008 about children who had lost a parent in 9/11 attacks.
“As we mark the 10th anniversary of September 11 attacks this year, my novel takes a look at what it means to be a kid growing up in Britain shaped by the events of that day,” she said.
The book tells of Ben, 12, whose father died in the attacks in New York. He meets Priti, 10, a Muslim girl who is convinced her brother is a suicide bomber.
Catherine said: “The pair decide to turn detective to try and foil the bomb plot with hilarious – and explosive – consequences. Is there a terrorist living next door? The bomb is ticking (or is it?) Can they catch him before it goes off?”
She said it is aimed at readers from 11 to adult and she hopes it will make people think, and also laugh at the youngsters’ antics.
After leaving Lymm High, Catherine went to Oxford University where she studied English. She taught in Africa and at schools throughout the country, before taking her current post at King Edward School in Bath two years ago.
She is married to Jonny and has two children Joe (eight) and Elsie (six). In her spare time she works as a freelance journalist writing for publications such as the Times, The Guardian and parenting magazines.
“Most of my characters are inspired by people I know so, yes, my old school friends and the odd Lymm face or two make an appearance in the book, although most characters are a mixture of a few different people and, of course, names have been changed to protect the innocent,” she said.
Catherine will be doing a book signing at Waterstones, Warrington, on Saturday. From 11am to 3pm.