September 11, 2001, was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, and countless more were forever changed. But in the years since, something powerful has grown out of the tragedy: 9/11 has become the nation’s largest day of charitable activity. In 2013 alone, more than 47 million people across 150 countries participated in acts of kindness and service on the 9/11 Day of Observance.
Fred Rogers—yes, Mr. Rogers—once said: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would tell me to look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
Those words ring especially true when we think about the bravery of first responders and ordinary citizens who stepped forward to help on 9/11. Today, by joining the 9/11 Day of Service, we have the opportunity to both honor the victims and remember those helpers who gave everything for others.
Teaching Kids About 9/11 Through Service
Helping children understand 9/11 can feel overwhelming, but focusing on kindness, community, and giving back makes it meaningful and age-appropriate. You might:
- Participate in a local service project as a family.
- “Adopt” a cause together, like collecting food for a pantry or helping a neighbor in need.
- Talk about the importance of helpers, and share examples of courage and compassion.
Find opportunities to volunteer locally at 911day.org/volunteer. You can also follow along at facebook.com/911day and twitter.com/911day.
Books to Help Kids Understand 9/11
Stories can be a gentle way to help kids process tough topics. Here are a few thoughtful options to read together:
- September 11 (We the People: Modern America series) by Mary Englar
A factual introduction to the events of 9/11, written in a straightforward way for children.
Best for ages 8–12. - The Little Chapel That Stood by A.B. Curtiss
The story of St. Paul’s Chapel, which survived the attacks and became a refuge for rescue workers.
Best for ages 5–10. - Jonas Wept by Regina Bargo
A tender story about grief, healing, and resilience through the eyes of a child.
Best for ages 8–12. - Messages to Ground Zero: Children Respond to September 11, 2001 by Shelley Harwayne and NYC Board of Education
Real letters, poems, and drawings created by children in response to the tragedy.
Best for ages 9–14. - Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman
The true story of a retired fireboat that came back into service to fight fires on 9/11.
Best for ages 5–10. - I Was Born on 9/11 by Cindy L. Rodriguez and Joyce L. Elliot
Told from the perspective of a child born on that historic day, exploring identity and remembrance.
Best for ages 9–13. - The Day the Towers Fell by Maureen Crethan Santora and Patricia Santora Cardona
A personal account written by a mother who lost her son, paired with simple explanations for children.
Best for ages 8–12. - Hero Dogs: Canines in Action by Donna M. Jackson
Highlights the courageous dogs who aided in search-and-rescue missions after 9/11.
Best for ages 7–12. - He Said Yes: The Story of Father Mychal Judge by Kelly Ann Lynch
The story of the chaplain who was among the first to respond—and the first recorded victim.
Best for ages 9–13. - 21 Days at Ground Zero: A Young Volunteer’s Story by Juliet McIntyre
A teen’s firsthand account of volunteering at Ground Zero, offering a young person’s perspective.
Best for ages 12–16. - 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy
A moving true story about a Kenyan tribe that gifted cows to the U.S. in solidarity.
Best for ages 6–12. - September Roses by Jeanette Winter
A symbolic story of two sisters from South Africa who brought roses to honor victims.
Best for ages 5–9. - With Their Eyes: September 11th—The View from a High School at Ground Zero
A collection of monologues written by students at Stuyvesant High School, just blocks away from the towers.
Best for teens, ages 13+. - On That Day: A Book of Hope for Children by Andrea Patel
A gentle, reassuring story that helps children process tragedy by focusing on love and healing.
Best for ages 4–8.
How Will You Honor and Remember?
Whether it’s through service, storytelling, or simply taking a moment to reflect, we each have the power to honor 9/11 in meaningful ways. Together, we can raise children who understand not just the tragedy, but the hope, courage, and kindness that rose from it.
Some of this information originally appeared in the article Teaching Kids About 9/11—Honor and Remember by Kyrie Collins, Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Publisher, published September 11, 2014.
