The Work of Heroes

Each volume opens with an attention-grabbing scenario in which a first responder intervenes to save lives. The ensuing chapters about the responsibilities of the featured jobs are interspersed with examples of other dedicated first responders and recent current events. Most memorably, Police Officers contains a chapter entitled “She Gave Her Life,” which relates the tragic loss of NYPD officer Moira Smith on September 11, 2001. Snapshot-style color photos with captions sustain the action (though some are not for the squeamish, such as an image in Doctors that shows an injured hockey player’s blood spilling onto the rink). A diverse group of profiled professionals, informative fact boxes, and final chapters reflecting on the pros and cons of these dangerous jobs all contribute to a high-interest series. Back matter includes photo-illustrated gear pages.