This legendary tale introduces young readers to Molly Williams, an African American cook for New York City's Fire Company 11, who is considered to be the first known female firefighter in U.S. history. One winter day in 1818, when many of the firefighting volunteers are sick with influenza and a small wooden house is ablaze, Molly jumps into action and helps stop the blaze, proudly earning the nickname Volunteer Number 11. Relying on historic records and pictures and working closely with firefighting experts, Dianne Ochiltree and artist Kathleen Kemly not only bring this spunky and little-known heroine to life but also show how fires were fought in early America.

 

This book was recognised in the Primary School category by the Keystone to Reading Book Award. It was recognised by the Florida Book Award.

This book is aimed at children in primary school.

There are 32 pages in this book. This book was published 2012 by Boyds Mills Press .

Dianne Ochiltree teaches writing in schools, has written several mathematical-orientated picture books including Bart's Amazing Charts and Cats Add Up. She lives in Sparta, New Jersey. Anne-Sophie Lanquetin has illustrated several children's books and lives in Paris, France. Janet Lawler's has written numerous critically acclaimed children's books, including A Father's Song. Her love of family and nature inspire much of her writing. Janet lives in Connecticut. Kathleen Kemly has illustrated many other books. She lives in Seattle.