[1][2] The project begun in response to U.S. government actions following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York City.
Shetterly undertook the project as a way to deal with his own grief and anger by painting Americans who inspired him.
[3] Portions of the series tour widely across the United States, being shown in schools, museums, libraries, galleries and other public spaces.
[8] It won the International Reading Association's Intermediate—Nonfiction award for 2006,[9] and the nonprofit Children's Book Council listed it among the "2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People," saying it is "sure to inspire debate and further research.".
[10] Shetterly lives with his partner, Gail Page, in Brooksville, Maine.