Fireboat is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"Fireboat" by Maira Kalman tells the inspiring true story of the John J. Harvey, a retired fireboat turned hero during the September 11 attacks in New York City. The book recounts the history of the fireboat and its role in fighting fires on the Hudson River. When the Twin Towers are attacked, the John J. Harvey is called back into service to help with the rescue and recovery efforts. The brave crew members and the fireboat play a crucial role in providing water and support to the firefighters on land. The story highlights the resilience and unity of the city during the tragic event and emphasizes the importance of community and working together in times of crisis. The book's vibrant illustrations and engaging narrative make it a powerful tribute to the bravery and selflessness of the firefighters and the enduring spirit of New York City.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Analyze the setting of this book. Discuss where and when it takes place.
- Practice identifying the genre of a story by analyzing this picture book.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Teach a lesson on multiple meaning words using examples from the story.
- Discuss the importance of teamwork and what a good teammate looks like.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
- The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
- 14 Cows for America by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah and Carmen Agra DeedyÂ
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
