He Said Yes: The Story of Father Mychal Judge

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.