"Why Would Anyone Do Something Like That?" tells the story of eight-year old Jackson, and his fears following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Jackson has a difficult time expressing his fears because he thinks he is the only one who is afraid. Jackson wants to ask someone the million, bajillion questions that he has regarding the attacks, but is to shy and embarrassed.

Jackson goes through each day afraid to go to school, and frightened when his mom and dad go to work. He is scared that their work places may be attacked, or even worst, that his school might be attacked. Each day Jackson has more and more questions to ask, but instead of asking questions, Jackson wonders to himself. When Jackson learns that his dad has to take a trip to New York City for work, he begins to have nightmares. Mom and Dad realize they need a plan to help Jackson deal with his fears.

Mom and Dad's plan involves Jackson taking a day off from school to see for himself how seriously security is now taken. Jackson learns about safety and security when he meets some very important people. Jackson also realizes that even he has a part to play in the safety of others. In the end, Jackson is able to put to use all of the things he learns and pass the information on to his classmates, who, much to Jackson's surprise, also have a million, bajillion questions.