Synopsis
This full-color, photo-illustrated picture book is not only a loving tribute from a son to his father who gave his life on September 11th, but a bow to all of the firefighters who are heroes everyday.
Pete Ganci was Chief of the FDNY. He was funny, brave, determined, and, ultimately, selfless. On September 11th, he died doing what he loved most--fighting fires and saving lives. CHIEF is a chronicle of Ganci's career, written by his youngest son, Chris. But it is also the story of what firefighters do every day.
Illustrated with personal pictures from the Ganci family and professional photos from the FDNY, this is a portrait of a man who loved his job. And it is Chris's effort to honor all those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11 and who have continued to risk their lives everyday since.
Reviews
Grade 3 Up-This compassionate biography is a loving tribute to the author's father. Written smoothly, embellished with photos detailing Ganci's life, the text conveys the idealism, the conviction, and the devotion that made Peter J. Ganci, Jr. a remarkable hero. The author describes his dad as a short scrawny kid who loved baseball and fishing. As a teen he had at least a dozen jobs, including working in a feed store and caddying at a local golf course. He became a member of the FDNY in 1968 and, in 1999, became Chief of the New York City Fire Department, responsible for 15,000 men, 144 ladder companies, and 210 engine companies. He lost his life on September 11, 2001, saving countless others, inside the raging inferno at the World Trade Center. The text is balanced with large and small photos, in color and black and white. It is unfortunate that none of the illustrations are captioned. The narrative is compelling, and children are likely to add Chief Ganci to the top of their list of heroes.
Karen Land, Greenport Public School, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 3-5. Dedicated to the men and women who serve in fire services around the world and the 343 brave souls, including the chief of New York City Firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, this profile of Peter Ganci is a personal tribute written by his son. Proud, admiring, and emotional in tone, Ganci recounts his father's life, from his youth to his death at age 54, stressing his exemplary dedication to his work. The dramatic cover, a close-up photo of Ganci wearing a helmet as rain pelts down around his face, speaks volumes, and photographs inside carry out the tone by humanizing the book's focus on "heroes by choice." Chapter titles run down the right margin in bold, red letters, and there is a scattering of pull-out quotes and even a poem. Words followed by an asterisk in the text are explained or expanded in a one-page glossary. The author's voice adds personal impact while still imparting the excitement, danger, and responsibility of being a firefighter. Julie Cummins
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