Thursday, September 8, 2016

National Geographic Kids-Extreme Wildfires: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire

National Geographic Kids-Extreme Wildfires: Smoke Jumpers, High-Tech Gear, Survival Tactics, and the Extraordinary Science of Fire
by Mark Thiessen
With Glen Phelan
Published August 30, 2016
National Geographic Children's Books
Nonfiction
112 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary
In one moment, there’s a simple spark, and then roaring flames surge 200 feet into the air, devouring forests. Trees, from root to canopy, are burned to the ground. Airtankers and helicopters hover above, executing an air attack. Brave firefighters, equipped with flame resistant suits, leap from helicopters onto the treetops and descend to the blazing forest floor. 

In this book, young readers will learn about the ecological impacts of wildfires, the ins and outs of fire science including tactics for prevention and containment, cutting-edge technology used to track wildfires and predict fire behavior, and about the impressive skill, survival tactics, and bravery required to control a wildfire. Also included are expert tips, fun facts, and breathtaking photos taken by the author.

My Thoughts
Living in Maine, we don't many wildfires and in my lifetime I have never seen nor heard of an extreme wildfire happening here.  I found this book fascinating.  Mark Thiessen is a fire photographer. He narrates this book in first person about his many adventures while photographing wildfires. In the introduction, he states that he puts himself in harms way to document the work of brave firefighters. Without his work, we might be able to see some of the work that firefighters do. 
The readers follows Thiessen on his many adventures. His stories, combined with photographs, graphics and "Fire Fact" text boxes work together to share the information. Chapters include: The Anatomy of Wildfire, Battling Wildfire from the Ground, Battling Wildfire from the Air, Ecology of a Wildfire and Living with Wildfire. There is also a section on fire safety, how to train like a firefighter, a glossary and index. 
This book is informative and inspirational. It made me have a better understanding of wildfires and an even bigger appreciation for the firefighters that fight them. 

I would recommend Extreme Wildfire for grades 4+. 

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