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The Red Bandanna
On a day that changed a nation, one young man found his calling.
Welles Crowther didn't see himself as a hero. He was just an ordinary kid who played sports, volunteered for the fire department in his town, and eventually headed off to college and then to Wall Street to start a career. Throughout it all, he always kept a red bandanna in his pocket, a gift from his father when he was little.
On September 11, 2001, Welles was at his job on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center when the Twin Towers were attacked. What he did next would alter the course of many lives.
That day, the legend of the Man in the Red Bandanna was born.
Award-winning ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi brings Welles's inspirational story of selflessness and compassion to life in this young readers' adaptation of his New York Times bestselling book.
Welles Crowther didn't see himself as a hero. He was just an ordinary kid who played sports, volunteered for the fire department in his town, and eventually headed off to college and then to Wall Street to start a career. Throughout it all, he always kept a red bandanna in his pocket, a gift from his father when he was little.
On September 11, 2001, Welles was at his job on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center when the Twin Towers were attacked. What he did next would alter the course of many lives.
That day, the legend of the Man in the Red Bandanna was born.
Award-winning ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi brings Welles's inspirational story of selflessness and compassion to life in this young readers' adaptation of his New York Times bestselling book.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2017
103 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 29, 2018
The Red Bandanna was a pretty good book. It's about a guy named Welles who was in the south tower during 9/11. I found it so inspiring how Welles risked his life to help others.
April 19, 2019
The acts of Welles, the man with the red bandanna, are inspiring and his heroism should definitely be honored, but this book is a ponderous account of those events and his life. I read it with an eye toward putting it on a recommended list of books for my students but the writing is overly dramatic and takes way too much time recounting small events from his early life and college days that will not be of interest to younger readers. There is more craft to authoring for teens than simply making a book shorter than the adult. The September 11 attacks are still very emotional for me but they are ancient history for my students. I was hoping for a book that would make that day real for them but I know that many of my kids will not get through the first third of the book to even get to the day of the attacks.
October 10, 2019
It just wasn't my favorite book and it didn't really interest me.
November 18, 2017
Unbelievable. Both heartwarming & heart wrenching. As a school librarian & someone who remembers the fears of that horrible day, I also feel a commitment to educate my 5th & 6th graders about that day. Not just about the events of the day, but more importantly the character & legacy of those who stood up to terrorism & who stepped up to help those around them. We can learn so much from these true heroes. This book fits well into my September 11th collection & I look forward to sharing Welles heroism with my students in the future.
November 15, 2020
Recently I watched the dedication of the dedication of the 9-11 museum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A29H...
The mother of Wells Crowther spoke of her son, accompanied on the stage by a woman whose life her son saved. She was there to thank Wells mother, because she could not thank Wells.
Intrigued, I immediately bought this book.
As many of you know, Wells was a young man working on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. When the towers were hit by planes filled with fuel which exploded when the terrorists flew planes into the high structures.
Wells called his mother to say he was ok. Then, he made an incredible choice which saved many lives, but took his life in the process.
As a little boy, Wells was drawn to fire trucks. His family had a long tradition of being fireman. One day, he noted his father's crisp white bandana displayed in his suit pocket. His father gave him two, a white one and then a red one.
Wells frequently carried the red bandanna. On the fatal day of September 11, 2001, Wells could have merely saved his own life by walking down the area he found that led to the outside of the building. Instead, Wells fearlessly acted as the rescue workers did, he stayed in the building and led many to the way out.
Carrying a fearful woman seventeen floors to safety, he went back in the building to help others. Many lives were saved by him, but sadly his young life did not make it out as the tower imploded and rapidly fell dramatically to the ground.
Many knew it was the young man who carried the red bandanna that saved their lives. Reading of the stories, his mother knew that this was her son Wells! Word quickly spread, and nationwide, people wore red bandannas to honor this brave soul.
I recently watched another youtube story of a man who gave a presentation of his day at the tower and how he survived. There was no mention of helping others, only a self serving speech of his experience. I couldn't continue to watch it, as I remembered Wells Crowther who made a choice that many did not!
However, in my judgement, I wondered if I would have been brave as Wells.
December 17, 2019
This book was amazing! It really inspired me to be a helper and always make good decisions and be kind to each and every person who is involved in my life. I would definitely recommend this book.
October 5, 2021
Very inspiring story of the volunteer firefighter on 9/11
January 25, 2019
It was sad because welles crowther died
September 19, 2018
IT WAS A GOOD BOOK!
September 17, 2018
I think the book was good. I kinda got bored towards the end of the book because mostly it was just people talking about Welles.
May 31, 2022
A beautiful story about a hero, a young man on 9/11
October 14, 2020
I have heard Welles Crowthers story many times before, but i was excited to read the story in its entirety. My Dad was working in the second World Trade Center building the morning of 9/11, but luckily was able to make it out before the second plane hit. Every anniversary, he would sit my siblings and I in front of the TV and we would watch the memorial and hear the survivors stories. For this reason, 9/11 will always hold a big importance in my life. I was unaware how Rinaldi was going to be able to tackle such a heavy topic and share those tragic events with the younger generation, but he succeeded beautifly. I love the themes that the book will teach readers. Welles showed nothing but bravery and heroism on his last day on earth. He sacrificed his life in order to save the lives of others. Welles possesed every characteristic of a hero and students will recognize and strive to be like him. There is a possibility some students may not like the book due to its serious topic, but Welles had many characteristics that students may be able to connect with. Welles played lacrosse, football, and soccer in high school and college. He also dreamed of being a firefighter as a little boy, but most importantly, he had a strong sense of family. Overall I loved this book and the message it sends. Hopefully students will be able to see that Welles was just a normal person. He proved on that tragic day that anyone can be a hero. It only takes one moment, one decision, one sacrifice, to change the world.
January 4, 2019
I’m surprised I’d never heard this story until recently. Definitely a quick, emotional read. 9/11 stories always touch me because I vividly remember that day. This story made me smile and cry. I can’t imagine making the choice that Welles did that day. I’ll never look at a red bandanna the same.
October 16, 2019
The Red Bandanna was a pretty good book. I now know a lot about a famous hero, Welles Crowther.
October 4, 2020
The Red Bandanna was an incredible book that allowed me to further understand a tragic day for the United States. I loved how the story unfolded gradually by learning more and more about a true hero named Welles. I like how the author decided to include the individuals who Welles saved during 911. This book was beautifully written because of an empowering young man who's red bandanna had a significant meaning. The author made 911 feel like the reader was there to experience the tragic day and the many emotions expressed throughout the novel were felt. I think it lacked a strong opening because it had too much detail about Welles Crowthers parents and their many accomplishments. The novel could've had a stronger opening by providing background information of Welles rather than his parents. The author took a long time to get to the main point of this novel which made it boring at first and it made me feel disengaged.
Middle schoolers will like The Red Bandanna if they like novels based on a true story and want to learn about a tragic event in the past. Middle schoolers need to engage in abstract thinking. This novel will allow students to reflect on this tragic event in history and how it may have affected others when it occurred. Furthermore, this will help them with their cognitive development. Middle school students may not like this novel because it affects their self efficacy since Welles was so heroic, had many accomplishment throughout his life, and he cared for others so well. Middle schools may not feel like they obtain the characteristics that Welles displayed throughout his life so it could affect their self perception. In this novel everyone loved Welles and his incredible story of saving peoples live. So a middle schooler may not like it because it could lead them to question their identity development such as what their peers think of them and how they feel about themselves.
Middle schoolers will like The Red Bandanna if they like novels based on a true story and want to learn about a tragic event in the past. Middle schoolers need to engage in abstract thinking. This novel will allow students to reflect on this tragic event in history and how it may have affected others when it occurred. Furthermore, this will help them with their cognitive development. Middle school students may not like this novel because it affects their self efficacy since Welles was so heroic, had many accomplishment throughout his life, and he cared for others so well. Middle schools may not feel like they obtain the characteristics that Welles displayed throughout his life so it could affect their self perception. In this novel everyone loved Welles and his incredible story of saving peoples live. So a middle schooler may not like it because it could lead them to question their identity development such as what their peers think of them and how they feel about themselves.
September 12, 2018
A quick, but extremely powerful read. I cannot even begin to imagine the courage it took to go back up the stairs. Reading this on 9/11 made it even more poignant. Highly recommend!
October 7, 2019
Overall, I think it was an okay book. It didn't seem to make want to keep reading after a certain event happened.
September 16, 2020
I am usually not a fast reader, but I got through this book very easily because it was very well written and intriguing. At first, it was a little difficult for me to stay completely engaged because I was reading about minor details of someone's life that I did not know. However, I came to discover that those minor details played a huge role in the rest of the narrative. I am thankful the early life of Welles Crowther was included because it gave insight to his great personality and character, which was a theme that traveled throughout the book. I think that this would appeal to middle school students because it was an easy read, but still got Welles' story across. The beginning of the book shows Welles' quirkiness and small characteristics that set him apart from his peers, which I think many middle schoolers can relate to. Middle schoolers often feel like outcasts if they are not just like everyone else, and peer influence becomes a great factor in how they make their decisions. This book demonstrates Welles Crowther's differences from his peers and different instances where he did not give into peer pressure and ended up as an amazing man with many looking up to him. Middle School age students also tend to look for adult role models and Welles Crowther was nothing short of a hero. If I were to determine a reason why Middle Schoolers might not enjoy this book it could possibly be because of the subject matter. Middle Schoolers tend to seek out risk and adventure at their age. This book definitely shows the risk factor, but only for the chapter or two that describes the events of September 11, 2001. The rest of the pages are describing Welles Crowther's life, and the impact he made on everyone else's life. Overall, this was a truly touching book and I really enjoyed reading it.
November 5, 2017
This young-adult adaptation of The Red Bandanna: A Life. A Choice. A Legacy. tells the inspiring story of Wells Crowther, a 911 hero who sacrificed his own life in order to lead others to safety in the South Tower. The beginning of the book, which traces Wells' early life and desire to be a firefighter, is a little slow moving. However the descriptions of the actual terrorist attack and the story of Wells' parents' eventual meeting with two of the people he saved are moving and powerful. This is a worthwhile read for middle school students, although probably best for 7th grade and up due to some graphic content.
September 22, 2020
A great read! This book definitely touches on some heavy topics but it was done well. I think for some students it might be a heavier read, just because of the magnitude of the topic, but I think it's important that this story gets told. The story follows the life of a courageous man who ended up working as a trader in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The book details his courage and dedication to service throughout his life. Tom Rinaldi did a fantastic job with this book and made the language understandable for young adult readers. Students may like this book because it is about recent history, which schools tend to leave out of the curriculum. This book will tap into their emotions and may leave a lasting effect because of their heightened emotions during middle school. Students may not like this book because it is a very sentimental story and at this point in their lives they are more interested in thrill-seeking and risk taking. I do think that this book is incredible and that students should read it, even though it is not an action/thriller.
July 30, 2020
This book is amazing, and the only downside to me is that it focuses more on the person it is about than September 11th itself. So, to me, a person who wasn't alive when the towers were hit, I had to look quite a few things up. But, other than that, it is a great celebration of this man who spent his last hours doing what he was meant to do, which is help.
January 9, 2018
The Red Bandanna is an amazing book. I have to say this is one of my favorite books I have ever read and I never wanted to stop reading it once I picked it up. Wells is probably the greatest hero I have ever heard off and his bravery is outrageous. He put others in front of him and saved lives. I rate this book a solid five stars.
January 22, 2020
the story is about a man named wells who lives in new york and works in the twin towers on the 104th floor and risked his life to save others I think it was a great book because it is very detailed and the other Tom Rinaldi makes you feel like you are right beside wells the whole time I would give it a ten out of ten rating
November 16, 2017
Oh man. Get a box of tissues for this one.
November 4, 2019
"The RED Bandanna" by Tom Rinaldi is a true story about a hero that saved many lives. Wells Crowther always knew what he was going to be when he grew up, a firefighter. His grandfathers and father, many members of his family inspired him to want to accomplish this dream of his. Wells had always been an intelligent, ordinary kid. He loved playing sports and always wanted to help out with his dad at his local fire department. However, Wells was growing-up very quickly and before he knew he was off to college and starting his career. Wells had carried a red bandanna with him his whole life, it was special to him because his father had gave it to him when he was younger.
Tom Rinaldi, the author has won many awards due to his great stories, including the famous story of a young legend Wells Crowther. He has won Five Edward R. Murrow Awards and ten national sports Emmy Awards. Rinaldi lived in Brooklyn when he was younger and was a graduate of the University of Columbia and Graduate School for Journalism. As of now Rinaldi lives in New Jersey with his wife, Dianne and their two kids Tessa and Jack.
On September 11, 2001 Wells was working in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on the
104th floor when something heart-breaking occurred. These news are all around the world to this day. What had occurred was horrible to hear about but what the legend Wells Crowther did next broke the hearts of many. Not many knew his name but many remember one single detail he was wearing a red bandanna. This was remembered in the minds of many. This was a great part to read about throughout the whole book.
The main character Wells Crowther could relate to many people who have been doubted by anyone or who have been thought of as less than others. Wells proved how brave and strong he was by making fearless choice to go back and save others even if his life was in danger. His decision was proven to show how serious he took this job and his desire for wanting to do his his job correctly because he had wanted this for so long.
I recommend this book to people who like books that are inspiring this book could be read by anyone because its really easy to comprehend and follow along. This book could teach young teens many lessons because it shows that no matter how young you are you could make a change in this world, when you desire something you have to show it and actually take steps toward that accomplishment because nothing will change unless you reach for the "impossible".
Tom Rinaldi, the author has won many awards due to his great stories, including the famous story of a young legend Wells Crowther. He has won Five Edward R. Murrow Awards and ten national sports Emmy Awards. Rinaldi lived in Brooklyn when he was younger and was a graduate of the University of Columbia and Graduate School for Journalism. As of now Rinaldi lives in New Jersey with his wife, Dianne and their two kids Tessa and Jack.
On September 11, 2001 Wells was working in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on the
104th floor when something heart-breaking occurred. These news are all around the world to this day. What had occurred was horrible to hear about but what the legend Wells Crowther did next broke the hearts of many. Not many knew his name but many remember one single detail he was wearing a red bandanna. This was remembered in the minds of many. This was a great part to read about throughout the whole book.
The main character Wells Crowther could relate to many people who have been doubted by anyone or who have been thought of as less than others. Wells proved how brave and strong he was by making fearless choice to go back and save others even if his life was in danger. His decision was proven to show how serious he took this job and his desire for wanting to do his his job correctly because he had wanted this for so long.
I recommend this book to people who like books that are inspiring this book could be read by anyone because its really easy to comprehend and follow along. This book could teach young teens many lessons because it shows that no matter how young you are you could make a change in this world, when you desire something you have to show it and actually take steps toward that accomplishment because nothing will change unless you reach for the "impossible".
November 6, 2020
I was shocked at the speed with which I made it through this book. The story was both emotional and riveting, and I would highly recommend it. The Red Bandana tells the story of a 9/11 hero named Welles Crowther and the impact of his last moments.
I really appreciated how the book was organized. It patiently told the story of Welles's childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. I think that is a really critical piece; it gave readers the opportunity to really know the hero that they would come to admire. Knowing that it was his childhood dream to be a firefighter made it all the more meaningful that he spent his last moments fulfilling his true purpose. Although this would be a very difficult subject for young readers, I think being able to really understand his life and come to the understanding (as his family did) that he died with honor is an important lesson for adolescents. By learning about Welles's journey, adolescent readers can relate to both his struggles and his triumphs. For example, throughout his childhood Welles' was mocked for his size. Instead of allowing this cruelty to make him insecure or afraid, he managed to overcome his bullies and went on to become a collegiate athlete and, eventually, an honorary firefighter. For adolescents, their bodies can be a very significant source of insecurity, and Welles's is a model of both perseverance and success.
Additionally, I really enjoyed how the author included the piecing together of Welles's last moments with the survivors that he aided. It felt very cathartic to read about the reunion of Welles's family and the families and individuals that he saved. Both the readers and the Crowther family got to see for themselves the good that Welles' was able to achieve in his final moments. For an adolescent reader, this lesson is crucial. Both physically and emotionally, our pre-teen and teenage years are often some of the most difficult of our lives. Welles' is an example of a person who was able to see the good in every situation and approach every problem with everything he had. We see this throughout the novel with his sports, academics, career, and finally in his last moments.
Overall, this book would be perfect for a middle school classroom. While it wasn't the most action-packed novel that an adolescent could ask for, the organization of the book prevented it from feeling monotonous or slow. Students can relate somewhat to every chapter of the book which could make it very successful in the classroom.
I really appreciated how the book was organized. It patiently told the story of Welles's childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. I think that is a really critical piece; it gave readers the opportunity to really know the hero that they would come to admire. Knowing that it was his childhood dream to be a firefighter made it all the more meaningful that he spent his last moments fulfilling his true purpose. Although this would be a very difficult subject for young readers, I think being able to really understand his life and come to the understanding (as his family did) that he died with honor is an important lesson for adolescents. By learning about Welles's journey, adolescent readers can relate to both his struggles and his triumphs. For example, throughout his childhood Welles' was mocked for his size. Instead of allowing this cruelty to make him insecure or afraid, he managed to overcome his bullies and went on to become a collegiate athlete and, eventually, an honorary firefighter. For adolescents, their bodies can be a very significant source of insecurity, and Welles's is a model of both perseverance and success.
Additionally, I really enjoyed how the author included the piecing together of Welles's last moments with the survivors that he aided. It felt very cathartic to read about the reunion of Welles's family and the families and individuals that he saved. Both the readers and the Crowther family got to see for themselves the good that Welles' was able to achieve in his final moments. For an adolescent reader, this lesson is crucial. Both physically and emotionally, our pre-teen and teenage years are often some of the most difficult of our lives. Welles' is an example of a person who was able to see the good in every situation and approach every problem with everything he had. We see this throughout the novel with his sports, academics, career, and finally in his last moments.
Overall, this book would be perfect for a middle school classroom. While it wasn't the most action-packed novel that an adolescent could ask for, the organization of the book prevented it from feeling monotonous or slow. Students can relate somewhat to every chapter of the book which could make it very successful in the classroom.
February 13, 2020
Tom Rinaldi's The Red Bandanna (young reader edition) is a fantastic, motivational quick read for middle school aged and above. Rinaldi, an award-winning reporter for ESPN, relates the story of Welles Crowther, who was a twenty four year old young man working on the 104th floor of The World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, when he dedicated his last moments fulfilling his dream of being a firefighter and saving lives during the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.
Readers will find Welle's life story very motivational. He is depicted as a person who truly stuck to his values and showed self-respect and respect for others in his behavior. Growing up, Welles spent hours helping at the fire station where his dad volunteered. After attending Boston College and landing a high powered job on Wall Street, Welles was pondering if he should walk away from that life and become a professional fire fighter, his dream job.
Welles maintained his values and sense of purpose in his life, dressing impeccably, staying out of trouble, pursuing sports, and not succumbing to some bullying behaviors while growing up. There is one description of an incident where his ice hockey teammates, mocking Welle's smaller size than his peers during the high school years, stuffed him in an empty hockey bag, zipped it up, and tossed the bag down a flight of stairs! Yet Welles was determined to stay on the team and to weather that roughhousing to prove his place on the team.
Welles' parents, family, friends, coworkers, and those who briefly encountered him at critical moments (such as during the 9/11 tragedy) describe him as passionate about helping others and selfless about doing so. "I'm going to be a super hero...I'm going to save the world." (foreward). Welles was on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center when the the second plane struck, and his voice was the one that survivors heard, as Welles thought of a plan to escape and shouted it to anyone who would listen. He carried one woman, Ling Young, down 17 flights of stairs to safety, and helped many people to safety, recounted in this story.
Tragically, Welles died when the building collapsed, alongside this country's bravest rescue workers, but his bravery, selflessness, and memory of his life mark him as a hero and will inspire others in this moving young readers edition, which was a very quick read for reluctant readers.
Readers will find Welle's life story very motivational. He is depicted as a person who truly stuck to his values and showed self-respect and respect for others in his behavior. Growing up, Welles spent hours helping at the fire station where his dad volunteered. After attending Boston College and landing a high powered job on Wall Street, Welles was pondering if he should walk away from that life and become a professional fire fighter, his dream job.
Welles maintained his values and sense of purpose in his life, dressing impeccably, staying out of trouble, pursuing sports, and not succumbing to some bullying behaviors while growing up. There is one description of an incident where his ice hockey teammates, mocking Welle's smaller size than his peers during the high school years, stuffed him in an empty hockey bag, zipped it up, and tossed the bag down a flight of stairs! Yet Welles was determined to stay on the team and to weather that roughhousing to prove his place on the team.
Welles' parents, family, friends, coworkers, and those who briefly encountered him at critical moments (such as during the 9/11 tragedy) describe him as passionate about helping others and selfless about doing so. "I'm going to be a super hero...I'm going to save the world." (foreward). Welles was on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center when the the second plane struck, and his voice was the one that survivors heard, as Welles thought of a plan to escape and shouted it to anyone who would listen. He carried one woman, Ling Young, down 17 flights of stairs to safety, and helped many people to safety, recounted in this story.
Tragically, Welles died when the building collapsed, alongside this country's bravest rescue workers, but his bravery, selflessness, and memory of his life mark him as a hero and will inspire others in this moving young readers edition, which was a very quick read for reluctant readers.
October 28, 2025
Summary:
The Red Bandanna is the true story of Welles Crowther, a young financial professional who was in the World Trade Center South Tower on September 11, 2001, when the terrorist attack happened. Because he wore a red bandanna his father had given him wherever he went, Welles became famous in history after he saved many people trapped within the raging skyscraper before he lost his life. The book is his story from childhood, through college athletics and investment banking, where he had represented his courage, largeness of heart, and sacrifice. The red bandanna is symbolic of hope and courage.
My Opinion:
I enjoyed this book so much due to the fact that it is inspirational and emotional. It illustrates the power of the courage of a single human being even in the worst possible moment. Welles's life reminds people that they must help others and not feel afraid when under pressure. It is very emotional and nicely written.
Recommended for:
Fans of real-life hero novels, history, or books about courage, sacrifice, and the 9/11 tragedy will enjoy reading this book. It is especially suitable for readers who enjoy inspirational biographies or people who want to read about real acts of heroism.
The Red Bandanna is the true story of Welles Crowther, a young financial professional who was in the World Trade Center South Tower on September 11, 2001, when the terrorist attack happened. Because he wore a red bandanna his father had given him wherever he went, Welles became famous in history after he saved many people trapped within the raging skyscraper before he lost his life. The book is his story from childhood, through college athletics and investment banking, where he had represented his courage, largeness of heart, and sacrifice. The red bandanna is symbolic of hope and courage.
My Opinion:
I enjoyed this book so much due to the fact that it is inspirational and emotional. It illustrates the power of the courage of a single human being even in the worst possible moment. Welles's life reminds people that they must help others and not feel afraid when under pressure. It is very emotional and nicely written.
Recommended for:
Fans of real-life hero novels, history, or books about courage, sacrifice, and the 9/11 tragedy will enjoy reading this book. It is especially suitable for readers who enjoy inspirational biographies or people who want to read about real acts of heroism.
December 29, 2017
This was an emotional read for me. I spent my childhood summers in New York with my younger sister at our Grandparents' home on Long Island. I have many family memories of NYC, Manhattan and the Trade Towers, having eaten at Windows on the World on numerous occasions.
September 11, 2001 is branded upon my memory. I have a deep, visceral reaction to the images from that day. I can barely control my emotions when I see the WTC towers in pre-911 films and images. It is harder to hold back tears when I see them missing from the skyline in post-911 films and images.
This was a book adapted for younger readers and is the first *anything* I have deliberately approached regarding 911.
This young man, his character and courage. His family. The impressions of him from the people he helped to safety that day.
I am finding it difficult to organize my thoughts.
I cannot help but feel that 911 was his destiny for achieving the ultimate in service and sacrifice.
If people were a little more like Welles Remy Crowther, the world would certainly be a better place.
September 11, 2001 is branded upon my memory. I have a deep, visceral reaction to the images from that day. I can barely control my emotions when I see the WTC towers in pre-911 films and images. It is harder to hold back tears when I see them missing from the skyline in post-911 films and images.
This was a book adapted for younger readers and is the first *anything* I have deliberately approached regarding 911.
This young man, his character and courage. His family. The impressions of him from the people he helped to safety that day.
I am finding it difficult to organize my thoughts.
I cannot help but feel that 911 was his destiny for achieving the ultimate in service and sacrifice.
If people were a little more like Welles Remy Crowther, the world would certainly be a better place.
October 29, 2017
Around eleven years ago I was with my daughter on a school trip to NYC. At Ground Zero there was a woman handing out red bandannas and telling the story of a young man who saved many lives at the Twin Towers. Since then I have always tied the red bandanna to whatever bag I am lugging along with me. It goes to work with me and has traveled around the world. Occasionally someone will ask it's significance and I will retell as much of the story as I can remember. I was thrilled to see this book at the bookstore and learn more about Welles Crowther.
How do the choices we make shape the adult we become? Tom Rinaldi has gathered stories of Welles' life, showing the strength of character that led to his actions on 9/11. The red bandanna Welles always carried helped put together a timeline of that day, showing his decision to lead people to safety then go back to aid more. This young readers edition is a great addition to any school or personal library.
How do the choices we make shape the adult we become? Tom Rinaldi has gathered stories of Welles' life, showing the strength of character that led to his actions on 9/11. The red bandanna Welles always carried helped put together a timeline of that day, showing his decision to lead people to safety then go back to aid more. This young readers edition is a great addition to any school or personal library.
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