With sensitivity and compassion, Maira Kalman frames the tragic events of September 11 through the history and the role of the John J. Harvey, a retired New York City fireboat. Originally launched in 1931, the Harvey was one of the most powerful fireboats of its time. Years later, a group of friends restored the retired boat and after the September 11 attacks, the fire department called on the Harvey for help. This is the inspiring story, not just of the efforts of a heroic fireboat, but of the history, the people and the events that shaped New York City -- in the past and the present.