Smokejumpers

Smokejumpers are highly-trained, specialized firefighters who leap into danger. While other firefighters battle large-scale wildfires, smokejumpers are deployed to snuff out remote fires before they become a threat. In this book, readers in grades 4-8 will dive into how smokejumpers are trained, what goes into a jump, and how they fight fires once they get there. This high interest, low reading level series gives readers an exciting photo- and fact-filled look at some of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. Each book features stand-alone spreads, so readers can flip pages and read in any order. Glossary words are defined on the page where they appear, boosting reader comprehension.

Smokejumpers are highly-trained, specialized firefighters who leap into danger. While other firefighters battle large-scale wildfires, smokejumpers are deployed to snuff out remote fires before they become a threat.

Deep-sea fishing, logging, smokejumping, and more are profiled in these books. Each title features full-page color photographs that show workers in action, with text on only some of the pages. Short sentences make this an ideal series for younger readers, but some of the fonts may be difficult for them to decode. Gender diversity is not represented in this series, as men are mostly shown in these risky roles. Content primarily focuses on the mostly dangerous aspects of these jobs and might dissuade readers from seriously pursuing them. These books could hold the attention of striving readers who also love adventure, with action-packed visuals and fast facts. A visual glossary disguised as a memory game, an index, and an activity suggestion are included in each book. VERDICT Possibly appealing to reluctant readers, but a lack of diversity in this series is discouraging. - SLJ Fall 2019

Smokejumpers are highly-trained, specialized firefighters who leap into danger to snuff out remote fires before they become a threat. Dive into how smokejumpers are trained, what goes into a jump, and how they fight fires.