More than 20 years after the tragic events of 9/11/2001, school teachers Elaine Mroczka and Julie O'Connor reflect on the friendship that sparked national conversation and brought eight-year-olds together from hundreds of miles away. Their new book "United States of Friendship: Pen Pals of 9/11" relives that fateful day and how strangers from across the country helped each other heal. As they remember, "Anyone who lived through the 9/11 terrorist attacks will tell you how horrific that time was in America." Wanting to offer comfort, the third-graders in Illinois reached out to the traumatized children in New York City through a pen pal project. "This was exactly the type of healing our nation craved!" Unlikely friends, the classes wrote to each other for an entire school year. Featured in the New York Times, local newspapers, and the Today Show, the children's patriotic example shows us what a difference caring can make in someone's life.

The read is a beautiful depiction of friendship and patriotism. "May we all learn to be kind to others, just as these small-town students were to their inner-city pen pals." 

Published by Fulton Books, Elaine Mroczka and Julie O'Connor's inspiring book takes the reader on a journey that not only uplifts one's mood, but also heals the emotional scars from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Elaine Mroczka is a retired teacher with 37 years of experience and a recognized professional in the field. Julie O'Connor, Ph.D., is a teacher and instructional supervisor for over 20 years. 

Readers who wish to experience this significant work can purchase "United States of Friendship: Pen Pals of 9/11" at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Amazon, Apple iTunes Store, Google Play, or Barnes & Noble.

Please direct all media inquiries to Author Support via email at support@fultonbooks.com or via telephone at 877-210-0816.