He Said Yes: The Story of Father Mychal Judge

by Kelly Ann Lynch

HE SAID YES is a children’s picture book that tells the true story of how young Robert Emmet Judge, a small boy from Brooklyn, became Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan priest, New York City fire department chaplain, and a hero―the first “official” death of the 9/11 attack. This moving biography of Father Mychal illustrates for children (ages 5-9) how his heroic act of service on September 11 was just one of many in his lifetime of trying to follow God’s call. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book tells how young Emmet spent his early years, how he responded to his vocation, and how he lived out his life as a priest and fire department chaplain. Each illustration contains a hidden image that encourages discussion and serves as an additional teaching tool about actual occurrences during the span of the story. Father Mychal touched many lives, including those of the homeless, AIDS patients, recovering and addictive alcoholics, the firefighters, and his friends, especially retired New York City police detective Steven McDonald, who was wounded in the line of duty and left paralyzed. Despite his busy schedule, Father Mychal had a unique gift for making everyone feel welcome, loved, and special in his eyes. On September 11, 2001, Father Mychal was killed in the terrorist attacks while ministering to those that he loved. †

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2007

Reviews

[Lisa Wroble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of Father Judge from his days as a student through his answering God’s calling (in many different ways) to his heroism on 9/11. Each “spread” in the book features a different challenge God presented for him, from becoming a priest to working with the homeless and through to his role as chaplain for the NYC Fire Dept. For advanced beginning readers through upper elementary (grades 3-6).

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for children and a book to which I hae a personal collection. A year before 911, my mother took a bad fall while walking in New York
City. Father Mychal happened to be nearby, raced to our rescue, took control of the situation. He gently calmed her, summoned two police officer from nearby Central Park, directed that they "just put in a few butterfly stitches, we're not taking this woman to the hospital" (they immediately complied with "Yes, Father Mike"). He then put us in his car and drove to our hotel, using his siren and flashing lights to circumvent the traffic, explaining he was chaplain to the NYC FIRE DEPARTMENT. We had no idea who this man "was"...until the horror of 911. Mayor Giuliani spoke of "losing Father Mike" and proclaimed him as Victim #1 of the horror. President Clinton attended his funeral. How wonderful that the author had the presence of mind to write a book focused on children to detail the life of this extraordinary, kind and brave man.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is among those we read on the anniversary of 9/11. Excellent story. Mini-review here: http://readingcatholic.com/another-91...