The Red Bandanna

Reach for this book when your child starts asking difficult questions about 9/11 or when they are struggling to understand why someone would put themselves in danger to help others. This true story follows Welles Crowther, a young man who used his signature red bandanna to lead dozens of people to safety during the World Trade Center attacks. While the subject matter is inherently heavy, the narrative focuses on the extraordinary power of selflessness and the way a small object can become a symbol of hope. It is a secular, honest, and deeply moving biography that helps children process a national tragedy through the lens of individual heroism. Parents will appreciate how it balances the reality of loss with the inspiring legacy of a life lived for others, making it a cornerstone for family discussions on integrity and courage.