My Buddy's a Hero - And I Didn't Even Know It

In this true account of heroism tied to September 11, 2001, the main characters realize their Grandpa is a hero who helped rescue the last man out alive from the ruins of the World Trade Center tragedy. They didn't even know it until they started asking questions. My Buddy's a Hero - And I Didn't Even Know It is appropriate for kids of all ages, especially ages 7 through 11, grades 3 and 4.  

In this true story, a retired lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York shares his brave 9/11 experience with his grandchildren for the first time. My Buddy's a Hero – And I Didn't Even Know It is the first in the Discovering Heroes™ series of children's books, a sequence of real-life stories that encourage young readers to find deeper meaning while emphasizing the heroism of everyday people. People who instinctively respond by taking action and whose bravery and courageousness stand out, especially when it's needed most. Countless stories of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things surround us, but uncovering their stories takes know-how. Through this authentic 9/11 story and others to come in the series, kids learn more about that fateful day and how to ask probing questions, become active listeners and curious learners seeking context.

Kristie Kiernan Bouryal is an author and an accomplished communications and marketing strategist with more than 25 years of experience building brands, demand and revenue generation across multiple industries. She has a proven track record of success in executive roles spanning global corporate communications, marketing and all forms of media.

Kristie has received numerous awards and recognition throughout her distinguished career including an International Business Award for Brand Renovation from the Stevie Awards; Gold Quill Excellence Awards from The International Association of Business Communicators; multiple Gold Hermes Creative Awards from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals; the Chairman's Prize for Innovation at The Associated Press; and the news industry's prestigious Peabody Award.

Kristie is a graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications. She is a loving wife, sister, aunt and the oldest of four girls born to a now retired nurse and a former lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York's Special Operations Rescue Companies. Kristie was born and raised in Staten Island, New York and currently resides in New Jersey with her husband.