Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire

Teach children about history using characters they can relate to and enjoy!

Friddell, Claudia.
Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire.
May 2010.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.


Brought to life for children to learn about in a unique way, Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire, shares details about the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 and the hero - a participant children are likely not to even deem a hero of such proportions - Goliath, a massive (0ne-ton) fire horse, who led Engine Company 15 and the Hale Water Tower No. 1 into the blaze, eventually becoming known as a lifesaver, as he worked tirelessly to pull the driver, Eugene Short to safety as bricks from a six-story warehouse began to rain down upon them! Despite being burned himself, Goliath proved dedicated to his work and ultimately saved the life of Eugene Short.

This was a very interesting read for me - it wasn't a piece of history that I was at all familiar with, yet it captured my attention, as I find it neat to hear about the different ways situations were handled. Sure, you heard of how horses pulled the fire equipment, but you never really make a connection to just how involved the horses actually became in helping to fight the fires.

Learning/Reading Activity:
  • Sleeping Bear Press has provided a Teacher's Guide to use in collaboration with this story! You can check that out here. I think my favorite activity in the packet would be the "Extra! Extra! Read All About It!," found on page 3, in which children (grades 3-6 perhaps) are asked to create a 1904 Baltimore Newspaper after reading the story and then possibly completing some addition research about the fire.

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