Discovering Heroes® Book Series Helps Educate Children in 42 States and Puerto Rico as America Marks 25 Years Since September 11, 2001
Nonfiction series brings firsthand accounts of Sept. 11 and stories of everyday heroism into classrooms and communities across America
September 11, 2026 — A quarter of a century after September 11, 2001, the Discovering Heroes® book series is helping educate children in 42 states across America and Puerto Rico, bringing age-appropriate, nonfiction stories of Sept. 11, courage, and heroism to a new generation.
Written by author Kristie Kiernan Bouryal, the three-book Discovering Heroes® series introduces young readers to September 11 through true stories based on real events and people. The series includes “My Buddy’s a Hero – And I Didn’t Even Know It,” “Remembering Heroes,” and “9/11 Courage and Tributes.”
Created for children of all ages, especially those in elementary school, the books use the experiences of grandparents and grandchildren to help children understand Sept. 11 while encouraging them to ask questions, listen actively and discover the stories of heroes in their own lives.
The Discovering Heroes® series is a key component of the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute™, which provides educators with nonfiction resources designed to help teach students about 9/11, those who were lost, the extraordinary courage and sacrifice demonstrated that day, and the resilience of America’s spirit. The Institute’s educational resources include curriculum for K–12 educators, with accompanying instructional units for the Discovering Heroes® books.
“When I created the Discovering Heroes® series, I wanted children to learn about 9/11 through authentic stories that would engage them in discussion about our nation’s history, rather than simply tell them about it,” said Bouryal, author of the series and CEO of Context Productions. “Twenty-five years later, knowing that these books are being used to educate children in communities across America and in Puerto Rico is incredibly meaningful to me. It represents something much bigger than books – it represents our collective responsibility to make sure that the stories of Sept. 11, the courage of those who responded, and the spirit of a nation that came together are never forgotten.”
The series was created to help bridge the generational distance from 9/11. For today’s students, the attacks are history rather than lived experience. Through firsthand accounts and intergenerational storytelling, Discovering Heroes® gives children an opportunity to learn about that history while connecting it to universal themes of courage, compassion, curiosity, resilience and service.
“For our nation to Never Forget, children have to be educated,” Bouryal said. “We have to teach them. We have to tell the stories. And we have to give them the opportunity to understand not only what happened on September 11, but what it revealed about the courage and resilience of people in the face of unimaginable circumstances.”
The national reach of the series comes at a pivotal moment as America commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Across the country, educators, families and communities are preparing to help a new generation understand one of the defining events in American history.
“Twenty-five years later, the promise to Never Forget carries a different responsibility. We are teaching those who come after us,” Bouryal said. “That is why this work matters so deeply to me. Every child who learns one of these stories becomes part of the chain of remembrance.”
The Discovering Heroes® series is published by Context Productions®. Free accompanying curriculum units are also available for educators.
To learn more about the Discovering Heroes® series and educational resources, visit Context Productions® or the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Institute™.
About Discovering Heroes®
The Discovering Heroes® series is a nonfiction trilogy for children authored by Kristie Kiernan Bouryal. The series includes “My Buddy’s a Hero – And I Didn’t Even Know It,” “Remembering Heroes,” and “9/11 Courage and Tributes.” Through true stories based on real events and people, the series helps young readers learn about September 11, 2001, discover stories of heroism and develop the skills of asking questions, active listening and seeking context.
About Context Productions®
Context Productions® creates nonfiction content, books and educational resources designed to inform, inspire and preserve important stories for future generations. Its Discovering Heroes® series and accompanying educational resources are dedicated to helping future generations understand September 11, 2001 and the extraordinary courage and heroism surrounding that day.