The Red Bandanna: A Life, a Choice, a Legacy by Tom Rinaldi

The Red Bandanna: A Life, a Choice, a Legacy by Tom Rinaldi-216 pages

I wanted to read this last September, since it is a true story about a young man who saved others at the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001, but I didn't get around to it until now. It is a touching, heartbreaking story about a 24-year-old named Welles Crowther who worked for a firm that had its office on the 104th floor of 2 World Trade Center, He was also a volunteer firefighter as was his father. Welles' aspiration was to become a firefighter with the FDNY and was posthumously awarded an honorary member a few years after his death saving others on 9/11. The reason the book is called "The Red Bandanna" is that Welles always carried a red bandanna from 8 years old until his death at 24 and two women identified him as the one who saved them (and others) by the red bandanna (and his face). President Obama invited Welles' parents, Jeff and Alison, and one of the two women (Ling Young) who definitively identified Welles to the dedication of the 9/11 Museum and invited Alison to give a brief speech, which she did. President Obama spoke of Welles' story at this dedication ceremony before Alison's brief remarks. It would be gratifying and comforting, yet heartbreaking to lose a family member in this way, especially a child who had yet to marry or really begin adult life. Welles and a few FDNY members perished a mere seventy-three feet or so from safety, but saved many lives. Overall, this met my expectations and more and I was really touched by Welles' heroism. I know he wasn't a "superhero" but he was absolutely a hero and a role model.

The Best Man by Richard Peck

The Best Man by Richard Peck - 232 pages

Archer Magill has four heroes -- his dad, his grandpa, his Uncle Paul, and his teacher Mr. McLeod.  This is the story of his four heroes focusing on his 5th and 6th grade years when his life starts to change.

I really liked this book.  I picked it up when I needed something to read during lunch.  Then I found I didn't want to put it down.  I started reading again as soon as I got home and finished it quickly.  This is a very simple everyday story of a boy's life.  It is a great book for boys as it talks about how the men, and women, in his life influence him.  I would recommend this for all kids to read -- even though the whole family in the book idolizes the Chicago Cubs.

Comrads: Brothers, Fathers, Heroes, Sons, Pals

Comrads: Brothers, Fathers, Heroes, Sons, Pals
by Stephen E. Ambrose
139 pages

Stephen E. Ambrose, celebrated history writer, has composed a book on the special bond between male friends/family/comrades. He tells his own personal story of the family bonds between himself and his brothers and father. He explains the special relationship between Lewis and Clark, the explorers. Plus other notable Americans he has written about in the past.