Customer Reviews

Fire Fighters (rev '02)

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ISBN 0590414607 - Printed in the U.S.A. Marked Reading Level 3, ages 5 to 8. Paperback, 29 pages. Published by Scholastic Inc. in 1989. By Robert Maass.

Life in a firehouse is described in text that is clear and simple. Learning to become a firefighter, taking care of their equipment, educating kids, and living in the firehouse when they're on duty are among the things that are part of every firefighter's job. Color photos fill the pages.

As an adult, it's very hard to read a book about the men (there are no women in the book) of the FDNY without thinking of September 11, 2001 and this one is no exception. A couple of the photos, in fact, are eerily like some of the more famous ones from that day.

The focus does not seem to be on any specific firehouse, or firefighters, just the FDNY in general, though that's not an important detail. The text is interesting and educational and will give children a view of all the work that firefighters actually do. The photos range from very nice to breathtaking. There are two things that some parents may wish to know: one, no women. Not a huge thing to me, but some might care. Also, the fact that some firefighters die doing their jobs is mentioned and a couple photos show memorials. This is realistic, and I like realistic, but I mention is because some folks might want to not be surprised by this. The fact that the book segues abruptly from memorials to parades is almost funny, it's such a sharp turn.

- AnnaLovesBooks