New York's Bravest

In the late 1840s, everyone throughout New York City knew the bravery of a fireman named Mose Humphreys. Over the years, the legend grew . . . and grew . . . and in this delightful recounting of that legend, young children have the opportunity to meet the brave fireman.

Bold paintings of New York in the 1840s capture Mose and bring the story to life for young readers. A treat for young and old alike.

Highly recommended.

This children's picture book is a great example of historical fiction. Right from the beginning of the book the author takes an effort to inform the reader of the devastating occurrence on September 11th, 2001. The story doesn't directly relate to the terrorist attraction, however the book does describe the hardships that firefighters may experiences. This book allows the reader to understand the pressure and courage a firefighter must acquire in order to do his or her job. I think it is important for educators to incorporate this book in the classroom to help the students discover America's history, and it's heroes. This book personally hit home for me because my brother in a firefighter. It put me in his shoes and I new understand a show more little of what he goes through everyday. show less

This retelling of Mose Humphreys has all the characteristics of a tall tale. Mose is described as being eight feet tall with hands as big as Virginia hams. He was so strong his huge arms could swim the Hudson River in two strokes. He could lift trolley cars, jump from burning ladders, save babies in his stovepipe hat, and eat mountains of beans and eggs. The legend of Mose is based on a real New York fireman in 1848.

The legend of Mose represents all firefighters throughout history. This specific retelling by Osborne is dedicated in “memory of the 343 New City firefighters who gave their lives to save others on September 11, 2001”. Osborne tells “as workers fled the burning World Trade Center towers, New York’s fighters rushed show more toward the danger”--just as Mose did in the hotel fire where he allegedly perished. show less

This is a good example of folklore because it depicts a larger-than-life hero, Mose Humphrey, who is said to be "eight feet tall" and "his arms were so strong he could swim the Hudson River in two strokes." Obviously these statements and the narratives in the book are exaggerations and not possible like the baby in his hat, but the theme of the story emphasizes the bravery of firefighters.

The illustrations in this story are absolutely amazing. They are very well crafted and make the story very engaging. They also help bring the setting into the story and give the plot action. This story is a good example of a historical fiction, because it goes through the life and work of firefighters in the 1800’s.

Genre ~ Historical Fiction ~ Not only does this picture do a good job of showing the job of a firefighter, but it also takes readers back in time to experience firefighting from a different century. The illustrations help readers picture what it was like to fight fires centuries ago. Everything presented in this book is accurate and realistic to the time period portrayed.

Character ~ The main character is based loosely on a real life New York firefighter who risked his life to save others. The way Osborne created Mose, readers are able get a better idea of the real hero. Mose is likeable and believable allowing the readers to relate to him either through personal experience so simply through feelings. Mose is the farthest thing from a show more flat character, and even though readers do no notice a change, he is a round character.

Media ~ Oil paintings show less

Fun story about Mose, a fire-fighter in New York City. (This story is dedicated to the fire-fighters who gave their lives on September 11th). When Mose disappears, the fire-fighters realize that his spirit is within themselves!