Fox News war correspondent Benjamin Hall had spent years reporting from the world’s most dangerous places, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, but nothing prepared him for the day he became the headline himself.
On March 14, 2022, while covering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Hall was traveling with cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski, 55, and Ukrainian producer Sasha Kuvshynova, 24, through the battered village of Horenka near Kyiv, everything went black.
From Kyiv, Hall was airlifted to Germany, and then transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. There, doctors performed nearly 30 surgeries, and the toll was staggering:
- Right leg amputated below the knee
- Left foot amputated
- Left eye blinded (iris, lens, and cornea destroyed by shrapnel)
- Severe injuries to hands and neck
Despite it all, Hall never lost hope.
Now he is offering a deeply personal look into the inspiration behind his first children’s book, Read All About It!, drawing from a moment that nearly cost him his life while reporting in Ukraine.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Hall explained that a small stuffed hedgehog he carried with him on assignments became far more than a simple keepsake. The toy, which he kept inside his body armor during a deadly attack in 2022, became a powerful symbol of survival and connection to his family.
Hall said the hedgehog helped him stay focused during recovery, reminding him of his daughters—Honor, Iris, Hero and Sage—and strengthening his determination to return home.
“It was this reminder of my children and my family, and I was going home,” Hall told PEOPLE, describing the emotional role the object played during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Inside the book: courage, action, and a young hero’s mission
The experience ultimately led Hall to create Read All About It!, a children’s book built around courage, curiosity, and the responsibility to act when something is wrong.
The story places a small but determined character at the center of a larger mission, highlighting how even the smallest voice can make a difference. Through the hedgehog’s journey, the book explores themes of bravery, quick thinking, and the importance of taking initiative rather than standing by.
Hall said the project became a true family effort as he developed the story. He regularly turned to his daughters for input, asking for their thoughts and suggestions as the narrative took shape. Their involvement helped shape both the tone and direction of the book, ensuring it would resonate with young readers while still carrying meaningful lessons.
He explained that when he reads children’s books with his family, he looks for more than just entertainment. He wants a story that sparks conversation afterward—something that encourages children to reflect on what they’ve just experienced.
Alongside its core message, the story balances seriousness with lighthearted moments, ending on a relatable and humorous note—even after saving the day, the hedgehog still manages to lose his bag.
A message about truth and togetherness
The longtime journalist also used the project to highlight the importance of his profession, describing journalism as vital in a world where understanding the truth remains critical.
“You need to have the truth, you need to have journalists… if you want to make the world a better place,” Hall said in the interview, underscoring the role accurate reporting plays in society.
The book also touches on the importance of community, with Hall noting that people can achieve more when they work together. He described this as a lesson he consistently shares with his children.
As the book reaches readers, Hall said the opportunity to create something uplifting has been especially meaningful. While much of his reporting involves difficult and often tragic events, he said this project allowed him to focus on hope, courage, and the positive side of human experience.
He added that despite the challenges he has witnessed in conflict zones, he remains convinced that acts of kindness, bravery, and unity continue to outweigh the darkness.
