The fireboat, John J. Harvey, was built in 1931, and was the pride of the New York City fireboat fleet. She worked hard for many years, fighting fires up and down the river. In 1995, the fleet was being reduced to two boats. The John J. Harvey was considered old, and outdated, and sent to the scrap yard. A group of friends heard about the boat, and decided to buy, and restore her. She was patched up, painted, and returned to the water. For the next 6 years, she traveled the river, and made friends with the crews of the two active fireboats, but she did not fight fires. On September 11, 2001, her crew volunteered her services, and the John J. Harvey once again became the pride of New York City's fireboat fleet.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0142403628

ISBN-13: 9780142403624

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What would it be like to live in the White House? Through the eyes of Fala, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's dog, you learn about a few of the historical events that shaped the United States during Roosevelt's presidency. Read how Fala's fun-free existence changed dramatically when on December 7, 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Fala continued to be at Franklin's side throughout the long days and nights during this difficult time in America's history. Fala died in 1952 and is buried near Roosevelt's grave where the best friends will forever be together. ' First Dog Fala,' with Elizabeth Steenwyk's easy-to-read vocabulary and Michael Montgomery's large illustrations, is a perfect biography for the beginning reader.

Similar authors: David A. Adler ; Kathryn Lasky ; Fiona Macdonald

Similar books: When Abraham Talked To The Trees by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk Barrel Horse Racer by Elizathe Van Steenwyk Frederic Remington by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk Seneca Chief, Army General by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk Mathew Brady:Civil War Photographer

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/5/2010

ISBN-10: 1561454117

ISBN-13: 9781561454112

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The fire broke out at the end of the workday; Saturday afternoon, when everyone was thinking about their weekend just beginning. It spread quickly through stacks of fabric and paper patterns hanging above. As the young women, some only 14 years old, ran to escape, they crowded the doors and no one could exit; other doors were locked to prevent them from leaving early. Many fell to their deaths jumping out of windows; the fire truck ladders were too short to reach them. This factory fire in 1911 was New York's deadliest fire until the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The author introduces some of these young workers to us and how they worked long hours for little pay in unhealthy, even unsafe conditions. We learn about the waves of immigrants; where they came from and why. We also learn what happened after the fire; how laws were created to make workplaces more safe, and how unions helped make that happen.

Similar authors: Sally Walker

Similar books: Fire! by Barbara Goldin (historical fiction); High-Risk Robots by Tony Hyland; One Times Square : A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World by Joe McKendry; Ellis Island, by Hilarie Staton

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 6/17/2013

ISBN-13: 9780375868894

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Fly, Cher Ami, Fly is a true story about a carrier pigeon named Cher Ami (Dear Friend). During World War I, a battalion of American soldiers was lost and surrounded by Germans. Without food, water, and radio communications, their only hope of rescue was to get a message sent to their camp by carrier pigeon. Cher Ami bravely survived rifle fires, attacks by enemy hawks, and strong winds. Upon his arrival at camp, the battalion's comrades were able to read the map attached to Cher Ami's leg and quickly set out to rescue their friends. Cher Ami was a true hero and today his body may be seen in Washington, D.C. at the National Museum of History.

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 2/26/2010

ISBN-10: 081097097X

ISBN-13: 9780810970977

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Freedom Walkers is a riveting account of the civil rights movement. The scene is set by describing life for African Americans in the south in the 1950s. Then Freedman recounts the organization, the patience, the faith, and the tenacity of the men, women, and children who walked to and from work and school for 381 days, forcing the integration of buses in Montgomery. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were the crowning achievements of the civil rights movement. This is an engrossing, quick read about an important time in our country's recent history.

Reviewed by: djd

Date read: 5/19/2009

ISBN-10: 0823421953

ISBN-13: 9780823421954

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