The Red Bandanna (Young Readers Adaptation) by Tom Rinaldi – OUT NOW

November 8, 2023 by brandoncpollock in Audiobooks

After reading the offer to narrate this book, it took me a minute to gather myself. As for so many, 9/11 will always be a day that is frame by frame embedded in the memory bank of my life. I couldn’t have dreamed, as a freshman in High School, that 22 years later, I’d have the honor of sharing Welles Crowther’s heroic and selfless actions on that day.

Then, I did a double take on the author, Tom Rinaldi. Wait… The Sports Broadcasting Legend Tom Rinaldi? Now, deep breaths accompanied the already present goosebumps as I wondered why one of the best storytellers of our time would approve me to narrate this incredible story.

For those who don’t know, I worked in radio broadcasting for 13 years before going full-time as a voice actor. I briefly managed Fox Sports Radio Charlotte, and as an avid sports fan, I’ve long considered Tom Rinaldi one of our time’s best sports journalists.

This was a Full Circle moment I’ll take with me all my life.

Once I gathered myself, I eagerly accepted the responsibility of telling Welles’ story.

“The Red Bandanna” is a book every American should read (or listen to). It was an honor of a lifetime to narrate the Young Readers adaptation. I pray Welles’ story inspires you as much as it inspired me.

For more information, listen to a sample of the book & purchase, visit Audible.com.

Publisher’s Summary

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 bestselling book. 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.