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They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them by Dan Paley (Author), Molly Mendoza (Illustrator)
When purchasing books for Charlie, my grandson or my nieces and nephews besides looking for books they have something in common with I look for books that teach a lesson not only for the children but the parents as well. Like any little boy when Charlie was little, Charlie was in love with Fireman. I thought Charlie might decide to become a Fireman which he hasn’t talked about in a while but at 16 it could still happen.
This week Charlie and I sat down together and read They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them which can be used when we study Safety in our home during our Homeschool safety Unit. Through the book there was facts I didn’t know that Charlie and I were able to discuss.
As well as what people\s jobs are and why they choose to do that job. Along with how lonely it could get and why a Dog is so important to lookout people. Which Charlie said if he had a job dealing with Wildfires, Charlie wouldn’t want to be a lookout because you have to know how to spot fires and it puts other people’s lives in your hands which is scary.
Charlie enjoyed learning what kinds of tools they use, and we are going to put together a kit in his Home Economics class so we can see how the tools work. There are words in the book Charlie weren’t sure of which has been added to our Homeschool spelling test. During Fire Safety Week at school I think teachers and the staff should read They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them to the children.
The illustrations are amazing in the book and it’s like your right there with the Firefighters fighting the fire. Throughout the book is many learning opportunities not only for Homeschoolers but children in public school as well. Including 18 watch out stations and 10 standard firefighting orders. Charlie enjoyed learning about the protective gear and supplies they need while on the job.
About:
A tribute to the unsung heroes of firefighting that takes readers along on a high-stakes mission to battle one of the deadliest natural disasters.
Alone figure stands on a tower, watching and waiting. Lightning strikes. Tree bark sparks. A wisp of white smoke rises in the distance. It is time to act.
Frightening images of raging Wildfires top the daily news. On the ground, smoke fills the air as people prepare to flee their homes ahead of encroaching flames. Who helps to get this crisis under control? And what do these heroes do? They hold the line.
They Hold the Line delivers a dramatic inside look at the work of the highly trained first responders who risk their lives to fight Wildfires. From hotshot hand crews to those who support them, Wildland firefighters serve as stewards of the land, managing the health of our Forests and the safety of our communities.
Powerfully written by Dan Paley and brought vividly to life by artist Molly Mendoza, this compelling and informative book explores Wildland firefighters’ complex jobs in a fascinating and approachable way. Thoroughly researched and packed with graphics, labels, sidebars, vocabulary, Scientific concepts, historical facts, and so much more, They Hold the Line is an outstanding resource for young readers, families, communities, classrooms, and libraries.
REAL-LIFE INSPIRATION: The author was inspired to write this book by a question his sons asked as they watched fires rage from their Southern California home in August 2018: “Who protects us from the fires?” This book is an attempt to answer that question.
TIMELY NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK: As fires rage over a wider swath of the United States and countries across the globe, and as fire season lengthens year over year, this book will resonate with anyone who has been impacted. And as these fires make national and international news, there’s an increasing need for resources even for kids who aren’t affected directly.
IMPORTANT RESOURCE BOOK: For families and communities experiencing the aftermath of a fire or other natural disaster, this book provides incredible insight into firefighters’ responsibilities. It can also encourage neighboring communities to empathize and help those in need.
FIREFIGHTER BOOK FOR KIDS: Firefighters are perennially popular with young kids as they visit fire trucks and stations, dress up as firefighters, and learn about public service professions. They Hold the Line introduces the roles that make up firefighting crews, explores firefighting techniques, and takes an engaging graphic nonfiction approach to the fascinating topics of fire, firefighting, and fire safety.
EXPERT AUTHOR: Dan Paley’s background in public policy and planning, as well as Science communication, makes him uniquely qualified to educate readers on this complex topic.
Perfect for:
- Young readers fascinated by firefighters, fire truck crews, and natural disasters
- Teachers, librarians, and parents seeking accessible nonfiction books for boys and girls
- Readers who enjoy graphic nonfiction books
- Anyone affected by wildfires/wildfire season
About the Author: Dan Paley
Dan is an author of fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. His books include Luigi and the Barefoot Races (illustrated by Aaron Boyd) and Rubio and Julienne, A Sweet and Cheesy Tale (illustrated by Lauren Gallegos.) He has also contributed to New Rules Next Week, a collection of essays and art about Corita Kent’s Ten Rules that publishes in April.
His forthcoming book, They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them, publishes in October. Dan is a regular contributor to Ranger Rick magazine. He has written for the Wall Street Journal, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, among other publications.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
