Reading Level: Grade 1 Interest Level: Grades K – 1
When a forest is on fire, who can help? It’s time to call smoke jumpers! Learn how these brave firefighters use special planes, parachutes, and tools to help put out dangerous wildfires while also keeping themselves safe. Dynamic photos paired with carefully leveled text celebrate these 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.
From fighting fierce blazes at sea to parachuting into smoke-filled forests, these firefighters take on some of the world’s most dangerous missions. Discover how these brave heroes battle extreme fires, what gear they rely on, and the powerful tools that help them do their jobs. The reviewer received the titles Firefighters on the Water and Smoke Jumpers. Firefighters on the Water discusses simply that: firefighters who work on the water! Firefighters need to use different tools and equipment when a boat is on fire or an item near the water, such as a dock. This read will showcase some of the bravest and how they help in dangerous water-based situations! Smoke Jumpers showcases the firefighters who get called when the forest is on fire. These firefighters use special planes, equipment, and parachutes to tackle the wilderness at some of its worst times! THOUGHTS: An engaging read for young readers who love some of the bravest people in the world: firefighters! This series is unique as it focuses on specialized areas of firefighting, rather than combining information into one basic category. These books are filled with vivid, heart pounding pictures that young readers will love!
