Tag Archives: Search and Rescue

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

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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. – Never Forget: Heroes of 9/11 (Series NF)

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Buckley, Jr., James. Never Forget: Heroes of 9/11. Bearport Publishing, 2022. 24 p. $20.00 ea. $120.00 set of 6. Grades 3-5. 

Canine Hero. 978-1-636-91025-3.
The Doctor Saves the Day. 978-1-636-91026-0.
EMS to the Rescue. 978-1-636-91028-4.
Fighting back in Flight. 978-1-636-91027-7.
Guiding Light. 978-1-636-91023-9.
Tale of Two Marines. 978-1-636-91024-6.

Heroism, helping in any way possible, and acting bravely in the face of danger are the themes emphasized in this nonfiction title about the September 11 Terrorist Attacks. This graphic nonfiction comic is one of six in the “Never Forget: Heroes of 9/11” series. The narrative nonfiction style of writing, as well as the colorful comic-style panel illustrations, will engage reluctant readers. The fast-paced action also will keep readers hooked. The story focuses on two former United States Marines who each feel compelled to do what they can to help on the day of the attacks. Both arrive at the World Trade Center and immediately begin searching for people who are trapped in the collapsed rubble. As a team, they look out for each other’s safety while also combing the debris for survivors. A backmatter section titled “A Day Like No Other” includes five paragraphs about the September 11 Attacks as well as real photographs of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 Crash Site. A section titled “Other Ground Zero Heroes” features two other ordinary people who jumped into action on September 11. Other backmatter includes a Glossary, Index, and sections with additional book and online resource recommendations.

THOUGHTS: This is an age-appropriate, easily accessible title to share with students as they learn about the September 11 Terrorist Attacks. The focus of the book is on the heroic efforts of ordinary people in the face of extreme danger and uncertainty, not on the attackers’ motives or politics.

Nonfiction Comics          Anne Bozievich, Southern York County SD
973.931 United States History

Elem./MG – Wild River

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Philbrick, Rodman. Wild River. Scholastic Press, 2021. 978-1-338-64727-3. $17.99. 189 p. Grades 3-6.

This middle grade adventure follows soon-to-be middle schooler Daniel Redmayne on what is supposed be a fun filled white water rafting trip in Montana for the Project Future Leaders school group. But what is to be a thrilling trip soon turns into a life or death trek through the Montana wilderness! The adult guides were able to save their middle school charges, but could not save themselves when the aptly named Crazy River’s dam broke and flooded the areas surrounding the river. What follows is an exciting journey in which the five survivors, with very limited supplies, need to work together to survive. Dangerous disagreements lead to the group splitting up and a tragic ending for one. Can the group put aside their anger and survive? Includes an Afterword that is a mini wilderness survival guide.

THOUGHTS: A must purchase for reluctant readers! Each short chapter ends with a twist that will keep readers turning the pages.

Adventure          Krista Fitzpatrick, PSLA Member

Daniel Redmayne is honored he is chosen for a white water rafting trip sponsored through Project Future Leaders. While he doesn’t exactly understand WHY he has been chosen, he is excited to take this trip with fellow middle school classmates Deke, Tony, Mia, and Imani. When they arrive in the Montana wilderness, their two adult guides, Sky and Cindi, realize their original destination isn’t going to work: The river is too dry. Instead, they move 100 miles down to Crazy River which they promise lives up to its name. Everyone sets up camp with the promise of adventure in the morning. However, Daniel and the other campers wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of Sky and Cindi screaming for them to climb up the nearby ridge. Daniel realizes a dam broke, and there is a flood threatening to wash them away. The adults risk everything to get all five campers on the ridge, so they are safely out of the water’s path. Unfortunately, Sky and Cindi do not make it up in time, and they are swept away by the flood right in front of the campers’ eyes. Daniel, Deke, Tony, Mia, and Imani are completely alone in the wilderness and miles away from their original destination. Together, they must figure out a way to survive and make it back home to their families.

THOUGHTS:  This book is a fast-paced, action-packed novel. The chapters, all of which end with cliffhangers, are short, making this book a good choice for a reluctant reader or a reader with a short attention span. Middle grade readers, especially those who love Gary Paulsen, will want to read this book.

Adventure          Danielle Corrao, Manheim Central SD