They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them

By Dan Paley and Molly Mendoza

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.

Powerfully written by Dan Paley and brought vividly to life by 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.

REAL-LIFE INSPIRATION: The author was inspired to write this book by a question his sons asked as they watched fires rage from their Southern California home in August 2018: "Who protects us from the fires?" This book is an attempt to answer that question.

TIMELY NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK: As fires rage over a wider swath of the United States and countries across the globe, and as fire season lengthens year over year, this book will resonate with anyone who has been impacted. And as these fires make national and international news, there's an increasing need for resources even for kids who aren't affected directly.

IMPORTANT RESOURCE BOOK: For families and communities experiencing the aftermath of a fire or other natural disaster, this book provides incredible insight into firefighters' responsibilities. It can also encourage neighboring communities to empathize and help those in need.

FIREFIGHTER BOOK FOR KIDS: Firefighters are perennially popular with young kids as they visit fire trucks and stations, dress up as firefighters, and learn about public service professions. They Hold the Line introduces the roles that make up firefighting crews, explores firefighting techniques, and takes an engaging graphic nonfiction approach to the fascinating topics of fire, firefighting, and fire safety.

EXPERT AUTHOR: Dan Paley's background in public policy and planning, as well as science communication, makes him uniquely qualified to educate readers on this complex topic.

Perfect for: 

• Young readers fascinated by firefighters, fire truck crews, and natural disasters
• Teachers, librarians, and parents seeking accessible nonfiction books for boys and girls
• Readers who enjoy graphic nonfiction books
• Anyone affected by wildfires/wildfire season

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chronicle Books Digital
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797220871

Dan Paley

Dan Paley has an undergraduate degree in geography and planning and a graduate degree in science writing. He was inspired to create this book when, looking from the doorstep of his family home at fire on a distant ridge, he reassured his three young sons that expert firefighters were there to help. He lives with his family in Irvine, California. Learn more at danpaley.com.

Book preview

Cover: They Hold the Line, Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them by Dan Paley

For my sons.

—D. P.

For land stewards past, present, and future.

—D. P. & M. M.

Text copyright © 2023 by Dan Paley.

Illustrations copyright © 2023 by Molly Mendoza.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available.

ISBN 978-1-7972-1450-4 (hc)

ISBN 978-1-7972-2087-1 (epub reflow)

ISBN 978-1-7972-2089-5 (epub fixed-format)

ISBN 978-1-7972-2088-8 (kindle)

Design by Jill Turney.

Typeset in Myriad and More Pro.

The illustrations in this book were rendered digitally.

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Perched on a tall tower at the edge of the wilderness, someone waits and watches. She is a fire lookout. She waits and watches for fire.

A lookout is the eyes above the forest. She sees a hundred miles in every direction. She is watching as a dry thunderstorm rolls