Chief:: The Life Of Peter J. Ganci,A New York City Firefighter [Hardcover]

Chris Ganci (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

This full-color, photo-illustrated picture book is not only a loving tribute from a son to his father who gave his life on September 11th, but a bow to all of the firefighters who are heroes everyday.

Pete Ganci was Chief of the FDNY. He was funny, brave, determined, and, ultimately, selfless. On September 11th, he died doing what he loved most--fighting fires and saving lives. CHIEF is a chronicle of Ganci's career, written by his youngest son, Chris. But it is also the story of what firefighters do every day.
Illustrated with personal pictures from the Ganci family and professional photos from the FDNY, this is a portrait of a man who loved his job. And it is Chris's effort to honor all those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11 and who have continued to risk their lives everyday since.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3 Up-This compassionate biography is a loving tribute to the author's father. Written smoothly, embellished with photos detailing Ganci's life, the text conveys the idealism, the conviction, and the devotion that made Peter J. Ganci, Jr. a remarkable hero. The author describes his dad as a short scrawny kid who loved baseball and fishing. As a teen he had at least a dozen jobs, including working in a feed store and caddying at a local golf course. He became a member of the FDNY in 1968 and, in 1999, became Chief of the New York City Fire Department, responsible for 15,000 men, 144 ladder companies, and 210 engine companies. He lost his life on September 11, 2001, saving countless others, inside the raging inferno at the World Trade Center. The text is balanced with large and small photos, in color and black and white. It is unfortunate that none of the illustrations are captioned. The narrative is compelling, and children are likely to add Chief Ganci to the top of their list of heroes.
Karen Land, Greenport Public School, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. Dedicated to the men and women who serve in fire services around the world and the 343 brave souls, including the chief of New York City Firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, this profile of Peter Ganci is a personal tribute written by his son. Proud, admiring, and emotional in tone, Ganci recounts his father's life, from his youth to his death at age 54, stressing his exemplary dedication to his work. The dramatic cover, a close-up photo of Ganci wearing a helmet as rain pelts down around his face, speaks volumes, and photographs inside carry out the tone by humanizing the book's focus on "heroes by choice." Chapter titles run down the right margin in bold, red letters, and there is a scattering of pull-out quotes and even a poem. Words followed by an asterisk in the text are explained or expanded in a one-page glossary. The author's voice adds personal impact while still imparting the excitement, danger, and responsibility of being a firefighter. Julie Cummins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Orchard (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439443865
• ISBN-13: 978-0439443869
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,275,449 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great tribute, April 5, 2005

By 

John Riley (San Diego California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chief:: The Life Of Peter J. Ganci,A New York City Firefighter (Hardcover)

I just bought this book for my children and my son can't stop reading it. Such a touching tribute for an obviously great person

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very warming and moving tribute to a wonderful hero, May 1, 2004

By 

christine (michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chief:: The Life Of Peter J. Ganci,A New York City Firefighter (Hardcover)

This book written by the Chief's youngest son is a wonderful tribute to all the men and women who serve in our nation's fire departments. These men are true heroes and the chief was no excpetion. the book is a wonderful read for any age and the pictures are so beautiful that the reader feels part of the story. More children should read this, as well as their parents. BRAVO!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tribute to a hero, December 9, 2003

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chief:: The Life Of Peter J. Ganci,A New York City Firefighter (Hardcover)

"Chief: The Life of Peter J. Ganci, a New York City Firefighter" is a biography of the fire chief who died in the destruction that followed the terrorist attack on New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. The story is told by Ganci's son, Chris, and is richly illustrated with many photographs.

The book includes much information about Chief Ganci's life--his birth in Brooklyn, service in the U.S. Army, family life, and career as a firefighter. Included is a useful glossary of NY City Fire Department terminology. The text and photos together create a portrait that I found interesting and very moving.