The Red Bandanna (Young Readers Adaptation)

Discover the inspirational true story of Welles Crowther, the man with the red bandanna who saved many lives on September 11, 2001, in this young adult adaptation of Tom Rinaldi’s New York Times bestselling book The Red Bandanna.

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

“A moving, deeply felt tribute to a courageous individual who sacrificed his life to save others.”—Kirkus Reviews

Welles Crowther did not see himself as hero. He was just an ordinary kid who played sports, volunteered at his local fire department, went to college, and eventually started his career on Wall Street. Through 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 as many as 18 lives before losing his own. The survivors he saved 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.

In this accessible young readers’ adaptation of his New York Times bestselling book, award-winning ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi brings Welles's story of selflessness and compassion to life. This powerful true account about making a difference through action is an inspiring way to help the post-9/11 generation understand the meaning of this historic day through the eyes of one young man.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs