THEY HOLD THE LINE: WILDFIRES, WILDLANDS, AND THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO BRAVE THEM
A tribute to the unsung heroes of firefighting that takes readers along on a high-stakes mission to battle one of the deadliest natural disasters.
A lone figure stands on a tower, watching and waiting. Lightning strikes. Tree bark sparks. A wisp of white smoke rises in the distance. It is time to act.
Frightening images of raging wildfires top the daily news. On the ground, smoke fills the air as people prepare to flee their homes ahead of encroaching flames. Who helps to get this crisis under control? And what do these heroes do? They hold the line.
They Hold the Line delivers a dramatic inside look at the work of the highly trained first responders who risk their lives to fight wildfires. From hotshot handcrews to those who support them, wildland firefighters serve as stewards of the land, managing the health of our forests and the safety of our communities.
Brought vividly to life by Caldecott Honor-winning artist Molly Mendoza, this compelling and informative book explores wildland firefighters’ complex jobs in a fascinating and approachable way. Thoroughly researched and packed with graphics, labels, sidebars, vocabulary, scientific concepts, historical facts, and so much more, They Hold the Line is an outstanding resource for young readers, families, communities, classrooms, and libraries.
PRAISE FOR THEY HOLD THE LINE
A 2024 ALA Notable Children’s Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2023 New York Public Library Best Book
A 2023 Chicago Public Library Best Book
★ “Paley and Mendoza’s informative picture book gives readers a full view of the effort that goes into protecting homes, people, and habitats when these all-too-common out-of-control fires endanger lives.” — The Horn Book, Starred Review
★ “A spectacular, up-close look at heroic firefighting.” — Booklist, Starred Review
“Recommended for all library collections.” — School Library Journal
“A solid addition to the smokejumpers shelf, timelier than ever.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Paley’s well-researched text operates on three levels to efficiently convey a substantial amount of information… Mendoza’s digital art brings a deeply felt intensity to the scenes.” ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books