All of a Sudden and Forever: Help and Healing after the Oklahoma City Bombing

On April 19, 1995, a man parked a truck in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Inside that truck was a bomb. The bomb exploded; people were killed and hurt. But that is not the end of the story. Those who survived began to share their experiences and heal. Near the site of the bomb blast, an American elm tree began to heal as well. It grew new leaves and produced seeds. Renamed the Survivor Tree, it was moved to the grounds of the memorial as a symbol of strength and resilience. The Survivor Tree continues to offer solace to people in Oklahoma City—and to people around the world grappling with tragedy and loss.



Released to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, this nonfiction picture book from award-winning author Chris Barton and debut illustrator Nicole Xu commemorates what was lost and offers hope for the future.