Editorial Review
SLJ Review of Firefighter Heroes
Students may be surprised to learn about the diverse and important jobs firefighters have, and this exciting, simply written, and fact-packed series about the profession should keep readers turning pages.
Each volume opens with a three-part “Teaching Tips” feature that adults can use to help support readers. New vocabulary is boldfaced and defined in the glossary. Each title describes the protective gear, vehicles, and special equipment each type of firefighter uses, and dramatic, high-quality photographs depict their tools and daring rescues. Labeled photos enhance vocabulary development; occasionally, pronunciation guides are included.
Throughout the series, highly skilled professionals are called “heroes” and are portrayed as racially and ethnically diverse men and women. Readers will learn facts they likely never knew, e.g., wa-ter alone can’t quench fires at airports, since plane fuel makes fires so hot that “a special foam” must be used. Each book concludes with the phrase “Thanks, firefighters!” Back matter includes a picture glossary, an index, a bibliography, and a link to the publisher’s website for more information.
VERDICT: Recommended for schools and public libraries.