Firefighters to the Rescue

Since the attacks of 9/11, when 343 firefighters died, the emotional respect for firefighters is even more heightened. Montages of captioned, color photos portray the dangers and risks in different kinds of fire situations, while Goldish relays the different parts and focuses of a firefighter’s job with a seriousness that never veers into alarmist territory. From forest fires to apartment fires, from oil-rig explosions at sea to radioactive spills, the information is straightforward with glossary words in boldface. Notable historic fires (including the World Trade Center disaster, with one photo of the smoking buildings) are incorporated into the text. Most helpful of all are the two pages that use arrows to point out the various parts of a firefighter’s gear and outfit. Part of the Work of Heroes: First Responders in Action series, which could find a home in many libraries.