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Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey
The John J. Harvey fireboat was the largest, fastest, shiniest fireboatof its time, but by 1995, the city didn't need old fireboats anymore. So the Harvey retired, until a group of friends decided to save it from the scrap heap. Then, one sunny September day in 2001, something so horrible happened that the whole world shook. And a call came from the fire department, asking if the Harvey could battle the roaring flames. In this inspiring true story, Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life and proves that old heroes never die.
48 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2002
18 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Maira Kalman
84 books703 followersMaira Kalman was born in Tel Aviv and moved to New York with her family at the age of four. She has worked as a designer, author, illustrator and artist for more than thirty years without formal training. Her work is a narrative journal of her life and all its absurdities. She has written and illustrated twelve children's books including Ooh-la-la- Max in Love, What Pete Ate, and Swami on Rye. She often illustrates for The New Yorker magazine, and is well known for her collaboration with Rick Meyerowitz on the NewYorkistan cover in 2001. Recent projects include The Elements of Style (illustrated), and a monthly on-line column entitled Principles of Uncertainty for The New York Times.
She lives in New York and walks a lot.
(http://www.saulgallery.com)
She lives in New York and walks a lot.
(http://www.saulgallery.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
September 11, 2016
The John J. Harvey is a fireboat from the thirties that was retired in 1994. She was purchased from the NYFD by a group of preservationists in the late nineties. They restored the boat, and she was placed on the National Park Service's Register of Historic Places. The Harvey was not expected to ever fight fires again, but on September 11th, 2001, firemen reporting to the scene of devastation at the Twin Towers found water pipes broken and buried. The fire trucks were not able to pump water. A call went out, and three fireboats arrived to help.
For four days and nights the Harvey pumped water. The crew took turns sleeping. People brought supplies: fuel, sweaters, gloves, pizza, sandwiches and coffee. They worked and cried. They fought the fire until it was under control.
I'm not sure how parents discuss 9/11 with their children, particularly those youngsters who were not alive when it happened. It seems so damned inconceivable, doesn't it? How do you even begin to talk about this: the horror, the loss of life, and why it happened? I suppose a children's book is as good a place as any to bring up the conversation. My boys both remember the day, even the youngest, who was only three at the time. For months afterward, he told anyone who would listen that "planes crashed a building down, and mommy cried."
This is a fine story of rebirth - for both a nearly forgotten fireboat and a city that endured the unthinkable. There's quite a bit of history here, as well as the expected tale of bravery and sacrifice. Kalman's frenetic illustrations work well with the story.
The John J. Harvey is still on the river today.
For four days and nights the Harvey pumped water. The crew took turns sleeping. People brought supplies: fuel, sweaters, gloves, pizza, sandwiches and coffee. They worked and cried. They fought the fire until it was under control.
I'm not sure how parents discuss 9/11 with their children, particularly those youngsters who were not alive when it happened. It seems so damned inconceivable, doesn't it? How do you even begin to talk about this: the horror, the loss of life, and why it happened? I suppose a children's book is as good a place as any to bring up the conversation. My boys both remember the day, even the youngest, who was only three at the time. For months afterward, he told anyone who would listen that "planes crashed a building down, and mommy cried."
This is a fine story of rebirth - for both a nearly forgotten fireboat and a city that endured the unthinkable. There's quite a bit of history here, as well as the expected tale of bravery and sacrifice. Kalman's frenetic illustrations work well with the story.
The John J. Harvey is still on the river today.
October 22, 2021
In this inspiring true story, Maira Kalman brings a New York City icon to life and proves old heroes never die.
Have you heard about the Harvey? The John J. Harvey fireboat was launched in 1931 in New York City. By 1995, the city no longer needed fireboats and the Harvey was retired. Then a group of friends decided to purchase the boat and restore her to her former glory. The Harvey was once again seaworthy, greeting other boats with four toots. Then 9/11 happened and the water pipes inside the streets were broken and buried. They were unusable against the inferno that was raging at Ground Zero. Fireboat to the rescue. The Harvey pumped water onto the fire for four days and nights. This picture book is perfect for read alouds with colorful illustrations and text that is creatively and strategically placed on the pages.
Have you heard about the Harvey? The John J. Harvey fireboat was launched in 1931 in New York City. By 1995, the city no longer needed fireboats and the Harvey was retired. Then a group of friends decided to purchase the boat and restore her to her former glory. The Harvey was once again seaworthy, greeting other boats with four toots. Then 9/11 happened and the water pipes inside the streets were broken and buried. They were unusable against the inferno that was raging at Ground Zero. Fireboat to the rescue. The Harvey pumped water onto the fire for four days and nights. This picture book is perfect for read alouds with colorful illustrations and text that is creatively and strategically placed on the pages.
September 12, 2020
Commissioned in 1931, the John J. Harvey was the sleekest and fastest fireboat of its day, racing around New York City to put out fires. After many years of service it was retired, and was due to be scrapped when a group of friends purchased it, refurbished it, and had it declared a historical landmark. No one expected that it would ever be used to fight fires again. Then, on September 11th, 2001, New York City was attacked and the water pipes around the Twin Towers were damaged. Suddenly the John J. Harvey was needed again...
Beautifully written and illustrated, Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey had me tearing up on more than one occasion. I was already familiar with the amazing story of the many boats that came to the aid of the people trapped in lower Manhattan on that day, ferrying over 500,000 people to safer locations in New Jersey, Connecticut and elsewhere in New York state in the largest maritime rescue in history. My mother was on one of those boats, and ended up in New Jersey. There's a powerful documentary about it, BOATLIFT - An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience , that I recommend. That said, the story of the John J. Harvey was unknown to me, and I am glad to have learnt about it through author/illustrator Maira Kalman's wonderful book. The text was understated but emotionally resonant, the artwork powerful. Recommended to those seeking children's books about 9/11, and about the resilience of the human spirit.
Beautifully written and illustrated, Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey had me tearing up on more than one occasion. I was already familiar with the amazing story of the many boats that came to the aid of the people trapped in lower Manhattan on that day, ferrying over 500,000 people to safer locations in New Jersey, Connecticut and elsewhere in New York state in the largest maritime rescue in history. My mother was on one of those boats, and ended up in New Jersey. There's a powerful documentary about it, BOATLIFT - An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience , that I recommend. That said, the story of the John J. Harvey was unknown to me, and I am glad to have learnt about it through author/illustrator Maira Kalman's wonderful book. The text was understated but emotionally resonant, the artwork powerful. Recommended to those seeking children's books about 9/11, and about the resilience of the human spirit.
February 6, 2010
We have a lot of transportation books around our house, and I thought this was just one more cute little book about a plucky little boat, kind of like Little Toot. It's not. It's prettily drawn and gives the history of fire boats in New York, and of the John J. Harvey in particular, which was restored to its original glory by a group of people who just took pleasure in owning it. I was reading along to the boys, and then came to a black page with simple white text describing September 2001: "something so huge and horrible happened that the whole world shook." I had to pause to catch my breath, and find some Kleenex and explain to the boys what happened to make Mommy so sad.
The book goes on to describe how the John J. Harvey and its crew helped fight the fires of the twin towers. So it's a wonderful story of courage, and an age-appropriate introduction to 9/11.
This fireboat was more than plucky, to say the least. But be ready for the emotion it elicits.
The book goes on to describe how the John J. Harvey and its crew helped fight the fires of the twin towers. So it's a wonderful story of courage, and an age-appropriate introduction to 9/11.
This fireboat was more than plucky, to say the least. But be ready for the emotion it elicits.
October 30, 2016
Looking for a story about hope,courage, and determination? Then, the nonfiction book Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey is for you! This award winning book was written and illustrated by Maira Kalman and tells the story of the reemergence of one of New York City's greatest fire-boats of all time, the John J. Harvey. For any K–3rd grade teacher, I recommend reading this book aloud to your students as the pictures alone will captivate them and the story will motivate them to never give up hope.
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey begins its story back in 1931. (You can tell your students that was over 80 years ago and just watch their jaws drop!) Some major events that happened during that year was the unvailing of the Empire State Building and the candy bar, Snickers being introduced into the world. (Ask if any of your students have ever tried one!) One of the most exciting things that happened that year was the launching of the fire-boat John J. Harvey. The John J. Harvey was one of a dozen fire-boats in New York City, but was the greatest and strongest of them all. At the time the John J. Harvey's main job was to put out fires at the piers along the Hudson river. The Harvey did this for many many years until the piers started closing down. The piers closing down was unfortunate for the John J. Harvey, as it was now seen as irrelevant and being of no use. By this time, the year was 1995 and the John J. Harvey was going to be turned into scrap metal. Have no fear though, as a group of friends decided to purchase the John J. Harvey and had it restored to its original beauty. After being bought and fixed up, the John J. Harvey did not put out any fires until something very tragic and sad happened. On September 11th, 2001, two airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers, sadly taking many peoples lives and destroying two buildings. Many people in New York City came together to help, including police officers, firefighters and the new owners of the John J. Harvey. At first, the John J. Harvey was told its only use would be of transportation, but that all changed after water pipes became damaged. The John J. Harvey jumped into action and helped the FDNY (New York City Fire Department) for the next four days putting out the fires caused by this tragic event. Afterwards, the crew of the John J. Harvey was given an award for their heroic achievements.
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey can be used in the classroom first and foremost to teach students about the tragic events that occurred on September 11th, 2001. This book can be used to show students how Americans united to help one another during terrible times. Many students may be aware of the major events that occurred on September 11th, 2001, but through this book they will also learn of the heroic actions people took to help those in need. This book can help introduce students to the topics of unity and patriotism.
This book can also be used as introduction for any students learning about boats or ships, as it contains many interesting facts, such as, on a ship ropes are called lines and that brass does not rust.
Maira Kalman has written many other great children's books which can be found at http://www.mairakalman.com/
If your ever in New York City, you can take a ride on the John J. Harvey!! More information can be found at http://fireboat.org/index.php
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey begins its story back in 1931. (You can tell your students that was over 80 years ago and just watch their jaws drop!) Some major events that happened during that year was the unvailing of the Empire State Building and the candy bar, Snickers being introduced into the world. (Ask if any of your students have ever tried one!) One of the most exciting things that happened that year was the launching of the fire-boat John J. Harvey. The John J. Harvey was one of a dozen fire-boats in New York City, but was the greatest and strongest of them all. At the time the John J. Harvey's main job was to put out fires at the piers along the Hudson river. The Harvey did this for many many years until the piers started closing down. The piers closing down was unfortunate for the John J. Harvey, as it was now seen as irrelevant and being of no use. By this time, the year was 1995 and the John J. Harvey was going to be turned into scrap metal. Have no fear though, as a group of friends decided to purchase the John J. Harvey and had it restored to its original beauty. After being bought and fixed up, the John J. Harvey did not put out any fires until something very tragic and sad happened. On September 11th, 2001, two airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers, sadly taking many peoples lives and destroying two buildings. Many people in New York City came together to help, including police officers, firefighters and the new owners of the John J. Harvey. At first, the John J. Harvey was told its only use would be of transportation, but that all changed after water pipes became damaged. The John J. Harvey jumped into action and helped the FDNY (New York City Fire Department) for the next four days putting out the fires caused by this tragic event. Afterwards, the crew of the John J. Harvey was given an award for their heroic achievements.
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey can be used in the classroom first and foremost to teach students about the tragic events that occurred on September 11th, 2001. This book can be used to show students how Americans united to help one another during terrible times. Many students may be aware of the major events that occurred on September 11th, 2001, but through this book they will also learn of the heroic actions people took to help those in need. This book can help introduce students to the topics of unity and patriotism.
This book can also be used as introduction for any students learning about boats or ships, as it contains many interesting facts, such as, on a ship ropes are called lines and that brass does not rust.
Maira Kalman has written many other great children's books which can be found at http://www.mairakalman.com/
If your ever in New York City, you can take a ride on the John J. Harvey!! More information can be found at http://fireboat.org/index.php
November 17, 2021
Solid book about New York, Fireboats, and 911. Age appropriate text for younger children about the events of 911 without being too horrific, as it is a children's book. Tells a good hero story of the day and about a piece of history.
January 1, 2016
Maira has done it again. She has written an extraordinary book about New York. Fireboat is a book about the tragedy of 9/11. The book focuses more on the Heroes than the tragedy. This book will be a good tool for teachers and parents to use to help explain the event. Fireboat is about a fireboat named Harvey. She starts with the history of the boat back in 1931. She also tells about other events that happened in 1931, "Snickers hit the stores... the word HOT-CHA was invented." Then it moves forward to 1995. Harvey was going to be scrapped, but a group of friends save the boat and restore it. Then there is a gray page that moves to 9/11. The book then illustrates two planes flying toward the twin towers. She then has a vivid illustration of the towers exploding. Maira then does a great job with describing the heroes and the crew of Harvey and then how Harvey had a great part in putting out the fires in New York after the attacks. The book then goes on to tell that Harvey was a hero and that heroes are "not forgotten". This book has great description, vivid and bold illustrations and great context. She does a great job writing a book that is so difficult to talk about. This book can be used with children to grade 4. However, with younger children a parent or teacher should be there to help explain the context since the illustrations are so vivid.
April 22, 2019
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey was an extraordinary informational text. It is an amazing book for upper elementary grades, especially during the early days of September. This tells the story of a boat that was famous for putting out fires and being big and shiny, but eventually wasn’t needed anymore. The Harvey retired, and then a group of people decided to renovate it to be good as new! Then, on September 11th, the Fireboat was absolutely needed to help put out the flames that forever changed our country.
I would use this in my classroom on 9/11 to help teach children about an event they weren’t alive for, but that impacted a lot of adults they know! This is an e-book, which is a great tool to use in the classroom so that I can introduce a new text to them on a specific day. 9/11 was one of the worst tragedies the United States has ever seen, yet this book emphasizes how vital is its for people to come together and help one another. It is a great text to use on the day of 9/11, especially if students do not understand what occurred that day, as today’s classrooms have changed as years and years pass. I would use this in my classroom to talk about the impact of helping others and bravery. I think it would be really amazing to send students on a mission to do selfless acts for others! We can also read some other historical informational texts to align with this. Discussing bravery with the students and how brave people in history were and who made huge impacts would be so very important to this age group. This book discusses the event in a kid-friendly way so that they understand the seriousness of the event in history, but still appreciate the storyline of the fireboat and the heroes that made an incredible impact. This was a WOW book for me because of the storyline that I didn’t know existed, and the illustrations were amazing! It helps students to learn a real life story that relates to a historical event, because it could definitely be hard to realize that this really was a recent event even though they weren’t alive to experience it.
I would use this in my classroom on 9/11 to help teach children about an event they weren’t alive for, but that impacted a lot of adults they know! This is an e-book, which is a great tool to use in the classroom so that I can introduce a new text to them on a specific day. 9/11 was one of the worst tragedies the United States has ever seen, yet this book emphasizes how vital is its for people to come together and help one another. It is a great text to use on the day of 9/11, especially if students do not understand what occurred that day, as today’s classrooms have changed as years and years pass. I would use this in my classroom to talk about the impact of helping others and bravery. I think it would be really amazing to send students on a mission to do selfless acts for others! We can also read some other historical informational texts to align with this. Discussing bravery with the students and how brave people in history were and who made huge impacts would be so very important to this age group. This book discusses the event in a kid-friendly way so that they understand the seriousness of the event in history, but still appreciate the storyline of the fireboat and the heroes that made an incredible impact. This was a WOW book for me because of the storyline that I didn’t know existed, and the illustrations were amazing! It helps students to learn a real life story that relates to a historical event, because it could definitely be hard to realize that this really was a recent event even though they weren’t alive to experience it.
April 22, 2018
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey was truly an extraordinary informational text. It is perfect for any upper elementary grade (3-5) who are learning about the events of 9/11. It tells the story of a boat that was famous for putting out fires, but later in time was not needed. However, a group of people decided to take over the boat and renovate it to be good as new! On September 11th, many water pumps were not working, and the Fireboat's team stepped up to help! For four days they took shifts helping diminish the fire and damage from the twin towers. This remarkable story teaches students that they can make a difference in a time of need, even when it seems like there is very little hope. 9/11 was one of the worst tragedies the United States had endured, and yet this book emphasizes the way people were able to come together and help one another. I read this as an ebook, and would definitely use this as a learning tool in my future classroom. It is a great text to use on the day of 9/11, especially if students do not understand what occurred that day. It discusses the event in a kid-friendly way so that they understand the seriousness of the event, but still appreciate the storyline of the fireboat and those that acted as heroes that day. This was a wow book for a number of reasons! The storyline and illustrations were done incredibly well, and causes the students to learn a specific story that relates to a historical event. Definitely a captivating book that I would recommend to others if they are looking for a book to read in the classroom on 9/11!
August 5, 2019
I didn't know this story and like any good picture book, it tells me why I should know this story.
The John J. Harvey was rescued from the brink of scrap metal by a group of guys who didn't want to see the ol' fireboat break apart after playing a pivotal role in saving buildings along the harbor in the city for so long. After it was restored it was an integral piece of machinery run by a group of the volunteers who used it during 9/11 to help squelch the fires and pump water into the area when there was so much destruction of systems at Ground Zero.
I wasn't a big fan of the illustrations and was especially turned off of the city once 9/11 happened and the loopy writing or sentences scattered around the page wasn't helpful in focusing my attention and detracted from my enjoyment of the story itself.
The John J. Harvey was rescued from the brink of scrap metal by a group of guys who didn't want to see the ol' fireboat break apart after playing a pivotal role in saving buildings along the harbor in the city for so long. After it was restored it was an integral piece of machinery run by a group of the volunteers who used it during 9/11 to help squelch the fires and pump water into the area when there was so much destruction of systems at Ground Zero.
I wasn't a big fan of the illustrations and was especially turned off of the city once 9/11 happened and the loopy writing or sentences scattered around the page wasn't helpful in focusing my attention and detracted from my enjoyment of the story itself.
December 24, 2022
This week I've been reading ghost stories to my fiancé, as one does per Victorian yuletide. It was too late into the night to read one of the short horror stories I chose to my partner, so I thought Id read the cute Fireboat picture book to my partner instead. I did not know, however, that it was about this boat and its crew's efforts to help save lives on 9/11. I read this book aloud to my fiancé and, as the story progressed, my voice began to crack and stammer.
A picture book about an old fireboat brought a somber and sobering dark cloud of my memories of that day over me. In a way, we did end up reading a ghost story---one where the lives taken on 9/11 live on in our memories.
A picture book about an old fireboat brought a somber and sobering dark cloud of my memories of that day over me. In a way, we did end up reading a ghost story---one where the lives taken on 9/11 live on in our memories.
October 7, 2020
Such a sweet book about a restored fire boat that almost went to the junkyard but instead was able to be used to help put out the World Trade Center Fires. Read it aloud with my 5, 8 and 10 year olds. It’s a perfect 9/11 read for kids combined with “America Is Under Attack” by Don Brown and “ The Man who walked between the Towers” by Mordecai Gerstein.
September 7, 2023
This is another supposed boon about 9/11 that barely touches on the topic. I came away more confused than educated. I think the retired fire boat may have helped evacuate people? Or maybe helped with the fire? Like I said, it’s confusing. It wasn’t well written and mentioned nothing about 9/11 being a terrorist attack. Idk, won’t be reading it to my daughter.
April 21, 2023
Such a special story about a fireboat who isn't obsolete and has a special part to play in 9/11.
Read
September 12, 2025This weeks class read in honor of 9/11. I hadn’t ever learned about these heroes
April 25, 2022
Story of a fireboat, that was nearly scrapped, but was bought by a group of friends and fixed up. They offered to help after the 9/11 attack and spent four days and nights fighting the resulting fires. Brought tears to my eyes but liked the happy ending note.
November 17, 2024
A lovely story of the role of an old fireboat that was refurbished by a group of people who wanted to save it. The fireboat ended up playing a role in 9/11 that is very heart-warming. I love the art and the story.
February 25, 2018
Puffin Books, 2005, 48 pgs., Genre: Non-fiction, Grade level: Pre-K-2, GR level: G, Lexile level: 280L
Fireboat is one of my favorite books to teach a lesson for September 11th due to its vivid illustrations and realistic events. This book reveals a true story as to how a retired New York City fireboat proved that it can instill hope in the people when they need it most, even when it had thought to no longer be useful. The people of New York City thought they did not have a use for old fireboats, but the attack on the twin towers caused the local fire hydrants to be inoperable and led the fire department to call on help from the retired boat John J. Harvey. In reading this inspiring story, the reader becomes aware of how important things in life can be even after years of use as well as how in times of need, there are often surprising ways of relief that arise.
Teaching ideas:
This is a picture book that should be taught and talked about, especially for the month of September. It would work well for a read aloud for a whole class in the elementary age group setting. You can easily create a lesson on the attack on the twin towers on September 11, 2001. For this book, I would read the book at the beginning of the year to help them become aware of the historic event as well as learn how various citizens come together in a time of need. Prior to beginning a writing piece, I would form a class discussion on what types of individuals were thought of as heros for offering their help in this time of need. For this, I would go over the roles of citizens such as firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors, and more. I would then have students write a five to six paragraph informative essay news article in which they serve as a journalist and report all the different jobs individuals accomplished as well as their heroic deeds. For this activity, they will have to do more research as to each of the individual roles the citizens held. They will be expected to explain atleast one heroic role held for five different individuals. To expand upon a literary skill being studied, I would like to incorporate invigorating verbs to enhance the voice of their article.
NYS ELA CCS:
RI.4.3, W.4.2e
Fireboat is one of my favorite books to teach a lesson for September 11th due to its vivid illustrations and realistic events. This book reveals a true story as to how a retired New York City fireboat proved that it can instill hope in the people when they need it most, even when it had thought to no longer be useful. The people of New York City thought they did not have a use for old fireboats, but the attack on the twin towers caused the local fire hydrants to be inoperable and led the fire department to call on help from the retired boat John J. Harvey. In reading this inspiring story, the reader becomes aware of how important things in life can be even after years of use as well as how in times of need, there are often surprising ways of relief that arise.
Teaching ideas:
This is a picture book that should be taught and talked about, especially for the month of September. It would work well for a read aloud for a whole class in the elementary age group setting. You can easily create a lesson on the attack on the twin towers on September 11, 2001. For this book, I would read the book at the beginning of the year to help them become aware of the historic event as well as learn how various citizens come together in a time of need. Prior to beginning a writing piece, I would form a class discussion on what types of individuals were thought of as heros for offering their help in this time of need. For this, I would go over the roles of citizens such as firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors, and more. I would then have students write a five to six paragraph informative essay news article in which they serve as a journalist and report all the different jobs individuals accomplished as well as their heroic deeds. For this activity, they will have to do more research as to each of the individual roles the citizens held. They will be expected to explain atleast one heroic role held for five different individuals. To expand upon a literary skill being studied, I would like to incorporate invigorating verbs to enhance the voice of their article.
NYS ELA CCS:
RI.4.3, W.4.2e
January 24, 2017
(KidLit ED204 category: non-fiction picture book)
The John J. Harvey was taken out of retirement and restored in 1995, just in time for one of the worst days in the United States' history.
Most of the children that might have "Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey" read to them, probably won't know anything about 9/11. They probably weren't even born yet.
This book takes a touching look at the history of the John J. Harvey and the men that believed in her. Maira Kalman is the author and illustrator of this book, and has done an excellent job conveying a story filled with emotion, through both the words and amazing illustrations. The use of a plain gray page to convey when "the whole world shook" grabs the readers attention. Anyone who can recall that day will feel the emotions of that day all over again through her sensitive text and riveting illustrations.
Young children may not understand the implications of 9/11, but they can feel the emotion of the John J. Harvey fighting the fires and the pride felt by her crew through this amazing book.
HOT-CHA to the John J. Harvey and to Maira Kalman for tackling this sensitve subject in a respectful manner.
The John J. Harvey was taken out of retirement and restored in 1995, just in time for one of the worst days in the United States' history.
Most of the children that might have "Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey" read to them, probably won't know anything about 9/11. They probably weren't even born yet.
This book takes a touching look at the history of the John J. Harvey and the men that believed in her. Maira Kalman is the author and illustrator of this book, and has done an excellent job conveying a story filled with emotion, through both the words and amazing illustrations. The use of a plain gray page to convey when "the whole world shook" grabs the readers attention. Anyone who can recall that day will feel the emotions of that day all over again through her sensitive text and riveting illustrations.
Young children may not understand the implications of 9/11, but they can feel the emotion of the John J. Harvey fighting the fires and the pride felt by her crew through this amazing book.
HOT-CHA to the John J. Harvey and to Maira Kalman for tackling this sensitve subject in a respectful manner.
September 11, 2016
11 SEP 2016 - read by a very nice lady here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39KcD...
The illustrations are lovely and informative. The Harvey's participation in 11 SEP is tastefully illustrated and worded. I still cannot imagine what this was like in New York City. My own memories are of feeling afraid, crying and dread of something yet to come. My son remembers the day in this way - planes crashed into the buildings, mommy cried, and daddy went off to war. Yikes!
I will be purchasing a copy of this for my very-far-in-the-future grandchildren.
The illustrations are lovely and informative. The Harvey's participation in 11 SEP is tastefully illustrated and worded. I still cannot imagine what this was like in New York City. My own memories are of feeling afraid, crying and dread of something yet to come. My son remembers the day in this way - planes crashed into the buildings, mommy cried, and daddy went off to war. Yikes!
I will be purchasing a copy of this for my very-far-in-the-future grandchildren.
July 1, 2011
Near epic tale of the fireboat Harvey from its 'birth' in 1931 to its rebirth in 2001. Factual treatment of the events of 9/11 and the Harvey's part in helping out that day. Text and illustrations work well together. What really caught my eye was the 2 page illustration showing a cloudless blue sky with 2 black airplanes headed toward 2 white buildings. The text almost seems to be pushed as far to edge as possible as if to say, 'what is about to happen is too big for words.'
October 14, 2011
Beautiful and brilliant. Kalman takes an treasured artifact, (the John J. Harvey which I have been on in a harbor cruise by the way) and a moving event (9-11 attacks) and tells their story perfectly, flawlessly and with stunning graphics to boot. This isn't the clincher though. The clincher is that her telling appropriate for all ages. As a native New Yorker, I highly recommended it.
July 13, 2015
Maira Kalman tribute to a fireboat, first in use in NYC in 1931, retired in 1995, bought by a bunch of people who just thought it would due fun to own this boat, and fixed up, unretired, and was used in 9/11. Kalman's art is always so fun and colorful and splashy and effervescent, and this one has a touch of every day heroics and nostalgia in it.
August 6, 2010
This is a remarkable story. The first time I read this, I had no idea it was about September 11th and it took me by surprise but it is a nice way to help children understand the events that took place that day.
March 3, 2017
In this amazing true story, the day of September 11th, 2001 is brought to life. My students loved hearing about it and it developed into a great conversation. The illustrations in this book were a little abstract but still manageable for students to understand. I would recommend this book!
February 28, 2018
This was an amazing book. The illustrations were great and the story was very emotional. It brought up all the feelings like 9/11 happened just today. Very important book. Read for grad school for Info Books for Youth.
August 29, 2011
Beautiful story...I cried at the end. Can't wait to share this with my teachers.
April 8, 2015
Great book about a forgotten fireboat that helped out during 911. Read for wk# 22 CC3.
September 14, 2016
This is a fun and colorful story which focuses on a retired fireboat. I really enjoy how this book discusses 9/11 in a way that children can understand without it being the focus.
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