Immigrant, American, Survivor: A Little Boy Who Grew Up To Be All Three

by William Jimeno, Charles Ricciardi, Charles Ricciardi (Illustrator)

Overview

Following your dreams and never giving up are the main themes in this brand new children's book.

Officer William Jimeno (co-author) shares his personal journey, which began as a young boy when he and his family immigrated from Colombia to the United States of America, and followed his dream to become a police officer.

William's life took an unexpected turn when, as a rookie officer, he and other first responders answered the call to save lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11. After the Twin Towers fell, William was trapped under the rubble for 13 hours before being heroically rescued; an ordeal captured by film director Oliver Stone in the major motion picture World Trade Center.

Valuable lessons are tastefully woven together with colorful illustrations to bring to life this wonderful book, appropriate for readers young and old, and inspiring to all.

Ages 8 and up/57 pages

"Immigrant, American, Survivor is filled with stories of courage, determination and personal fortitude which would be a great learning tool for children of all ages. William Jimeno is a true hero and an inspiration to all."
- John Franco, former New York Mets Captain and
Lefthanded Major League Baseball Saves Leader

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780999698655
Publisher:	Charles Ricciardi
Publication date:	02/24/2021
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.15(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Co-Author Will Jimeno is a retired Port Authority of NY & NJ Police Detective who survived the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. Jimeno and three fellow Port Authority officers, led by Sergeant John McLoughlin, rushed into the World Trade Center to conduct rescue operations when both towers collapsed upon them. Buried under the rubble for 13 hours, both Jimeno and McLoughlin were ultimately located by two marine reservists and a civilian. The nail-biting rescue and recovery operation took hours of work by NYPD Emergency Services, FDNY and PAPD departments. Jimeno’s entombment and rescue was later portrayed in the 2006 Oliver Stone film World Trade Center.
Since that time Jimeno has engaged in public speaking for both young and old, working hard to inspire and encourage people to never give up. Jimeno has another book, detailing his emotional and physical recovery, due out August of 2021 titled, Sunrise Through The Darkness in which he co-authored with Michael Moats, PysD.

Co-Author and Illustrator Charles Ricciardi has been creating award-winning independent writing and film projects for over 25 years, including Drew: The Man Behind The Poster, a celebrated documentary feature film about legendary artist Drew Struzan, creator of the Indiana Jones, Muppet, Back To The Future, and Star Wars movie posters. Ricciardi has produced five feature films in all, some of which he's also written, edited, and directed. Immigrant, American Survivor marks Ricciardi's fourth book, preceded by a pair of illustrated children's books about procrastination ( I'll Do My Homework...But First!) and bullying (The Night The Bullies Were Bullied!), and a novel about an exciting foot race along the entire Appalachian Trail, titled The Great Appalachian Trail Race. Ricciardi studied filmmaking and screenwriting at the Tisch School of the Arts, earning both his B.F.A. and M.A. at New York University, where he had the opportunity to study under talented instructors, including Academy Award Winning Illustrator, John Canemaker.

Editorial Reviews

A story of courage and determination, Officer William Jimeno & co-author/illustrator Charles Ricciardi motivate their young readers in a gentle and engaging manner. Immigrant, American, Survivor recognizes the beauty of America, and the bravery of those, like Jimeno, who put their own safety on the line to protect it."

Joe Pizzo
Teacher, Adjunct Professor, Writer

Chester, NJ - Joseph Pizzo

"Immigrant, American, Survivor reminds us that through unity comes strength, and from sacrifice comes joy. This is an uplifting, must-read lesson for the ages that will leave readers awestruck by William Jimeno's heroism and humbled by his example."

Robert Mullen, Principal Emeritus,
Black River Middle School, Chester, New Jersey

Black River Middle School, NJ - Robert Mullen