Doing the Right Thing

Whether it is inviting an unpopular kid to a party, standing up for a girl being teased, or protecting an innocent family from hate, the novel Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story, employs numerous examples that teach the reader the importance of doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do. Baskin teaches her reader, through Frank’s advice to his son, Will, that the right thing to do is not determined by what makes a person feel better or worse. Will follows his father’s example when he leads a movement to protect Naheed and her family from anger and hate.

When Will asked his father about inviting an unpopular kid to his birthday party, Frank took the opportunity to teach his son about the importance of doing the right thing. Will thinks back on his father’s advice...