Elem. – First Responders on the Scene (Series NF)

First Responders on the Scene. The Child’s World, 2022. $21.95 ea. $175.60 set of 8. 24 p. Grades 3-6.

Shaffer, Jody Jensen. 911 Dispatchers On the Call. 978-1-503-85588-5.
—. Air Ambulance Crews On the Scene. 978-1-503-85584-7.
Thernstrom, Amy, and Kara L. Laughlin. Air and Sea Rescue Teams On the Scene. 978-1-503-85586-1.
Dolbear, Emily. Firefighters On the Scene. 978-1-503-85581-6.
Shaffer, Jody Jensen. Hotshot Crews On the Scene. 978-1-503-85587-8.
—.
Paramedics On the Scene. 978-1-503-85583-0.
Dolbear, Emily. Police Officers On the Scene. 978-1-503-85582-3.
Laughlin, Kara L. Search and Rescue Teams On the Scene. 978-1-503-85585-4.

This reviewer had the opportunity to review Paramedics on the Scene from this series. Each chapter tells a short story of paramedics who were able to save a life based on training, quick thinking, and teamwork. There are large, colorful photographs, sidebars, and Think-About-It questions for each chapter. A “Fast Facts” section at the beginning of the book provides valuable background information, and an index, a glossary, and bibliography information is included in the back matter.

THOUGHTS: With very short chapters, large print, and lots of supplemental material, these books would be a welcome addition to students looking for nonfiction information about first responders. Great hi-lo reading material for students who need lots of support from text features in nonfiction books. This series is a good addition to collections where First Responder information is used in research assignments or biography projects, or where there is interest in First Responders as careers or for free choice reading.

600s First Responders          Erin Faulkner, Cumberland Valley SD

Elem. – The Fox and the Forest Fire

Popovici Danny. The Fox and the Forest Fire. Chronicle Books, 2021. 978-1-797-20282-2 44 p. $17.95. Grades K-3. 

A young boy moves from the city to a house in the woods. At first, he is unsure of his new surroundings, but he begins to love his new environment with time. He loves to explore, adventure, and learn about the animals and their homes that inhabit the woods that surround his new home, especially a bright orange fox that lives nearby. In Danny Popovici’s The Fox and the Forest Fire, the reader will fall in love with the forest through the eyes of a young explorer. But when the young boy spots a fire that quickly engulfs the woods, his family is not only displaced, but his beloved home, trees, bugs, plants, and animals are forever changed. With a forest fire, so much can change quickly, but the family (and forest) can regrow and rejuvenate with time, hope, and support. In this touching story, resilience wins. 

THOUGHTS: The Fox and the Forest Fire was written and illustrated by a volunteer forest firefighter, which gives the book a unique and special perspective. The story has an uplifting message about rebuilding and resilience, not only for humans but for nature too. At the close of the book, the author’s notes and information could ignite essential conversations in the classroom about the effects of natural disasters on our environment. I love that this book can serve as a resource for coping with personal and community tragedies with a small nod to the first responders that risk their lives for others. 

Picture Book          Marie Mengel, Reading SD