The Red Bandanna (Young Readers Adaptation) - Paperback

The Red Bandanna: A True Story of Heroism on September 11

This award-winning young readers adaptation tells the inspiring true story of Welles Crowther, an ordinary young man who became an extraordinary hero on September 11, 2001. Written by ESPN national correspondent Tom Rinaldi, this middle grade biography brings one of the most powerful stories from 9/11 to life for today's generation.

A Story of Courage and Selflessness

Welles Crowther was a regular kid who played sports, volunteered at his local fire department, and eventually built a career on Wall Street. He always carried a red bandanna in his pocket, a gift from his father. On September 11, 2001, while working on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center, Welles made a fearless choice that saved many lives. Survivors remembered one detail clearly: the man who helped them was wearing a red bandanna.

Award-Winning Biography for Young Readers

This accessible adaptation of Rinaldi's New York Times bestselling book has earned multiple prestigious honors:

• Winner of the Christopher Award
• ILA-CBC Children's Choices Book
• NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book

The book helps the post-9/11 generation understand the meaning of this historic day through the eyes of one brave young man. As VOYA notes, "Rinaldi's young reader edition puts a face on that day, a hero's face, and brings to young people someone who stood brave in the toughest of times."

Perfect for Middle Grade Readers

Designed for ages 9-12, this paperback edition makes Welles's story of making a difference through action accessible to younger audiences. The narrative demonstrates how ordinary people can show extraordinary courage when it matters most, teaching timeless values of bravery, compassion, and selflessness.

About Author Tom Rinaldi

Tom Rinaldi is a national correspondent at ESPN and recipient of ten Sports Emmy Awards and five Edward R. Murrow Awards. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he is known for his powerful human-interest stories across all sports, including his famous feature about Welles Crowther.

Winner of the Christopher Award
An ILA-CBC Children's Choices Book
A NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book

Welles Crowther did not see himself as hero. He was just an ordinary kid who played sports, volunteered at his local fire department, and eventually headed off to college and then Wall Street to start a career. Throughout it all, he always kept a red bandanna in his pocket, a gift from his father. On September 11, 2001, Welles was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center when the Twin Towers were attacked. That day, Welles made a fearless choice and in doing so, saved many lives.

The survivors didn't know his name, but one of them remembered a single detail clearly: the man was wearing a red bandanna. Welles Crowther was a hero.

Award-winning ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi brings Welles's inspirational story of selflessness and compassion to life in this accessible young readers' adaptation of his New York Times bestseller. This powerful story of making a difference through our actions is perfect for helping the post-9/11 generation understand the meaning of this historic day through the eyes of one young man.

"Rinaldi's young reader edition of his award-winning adult story puts a face on that day (9/11), a hero's face, and brings to young people someone who stood brave in the toughest of times and who, in the end, was lost doing his best to help others survive."--VOYA