Local publisher seeing surge in orders for book on 9/11 babies after AZ shooting death of 9-year-old

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. - Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Christina Taylor Green has represented hope.

Green was Maryland's representative in "Faces of Hope," which featured one baby from each state who was born on Sept. 11 2001. Green was killed in the shootings in Tuscon, AZ, along with five other people. A dozen others were wounded, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ).

Health Communications Incorporated is based in Deerfield Beach, and they printed the book in 2002. It was written by Christine Pisera Naman.

HCI says it's fitting that orders are rolling in, because she is needed now, more than ever.

"We've always really looked at making a difference in our readers' lives," said Peter Vegso, the president of HCI.

Soon after the shooting in Tucson stopped the presses, the ones at Health Communications Inc. had to be started, in the wake of Green's death.

"This young girl who is interested in our society in how politics operates. That's why she was there," said Vegso.

When others around the country realized the against-almost-all-odds coincidence, orders for the book came pouring in. 8,000 copies were printed in 2002. In the last two days, they've pressed 12,000.

Vegso suspects people are buying the book because they want to feel closer to the hope that Green and other children represent for a wounded nation.

"Looking at our children and the hope that they bring, I think this book has some life," said Vegso. "In terms of taking that torch of hope and carrying it forward."

If you'd like more information on "Faces of Hope," you can visit www.hcibooks.com .