The Good Fire Helmet is a story about being brave in everyday life and believing in yourself.
Ten-year-old Tommy and six-year-old Christian treasure the firefighter’s helmet that once belonged to their dad. The chaplain had told the boys, “If you just touch your fingers to this fire helmet, its courage can be given to you. A good fire helmet has been known to do that.”
Christian believes the helmet makes him brave when he gets a shot at the doctor’s office and wards off scary shadows at night, but his big brother isn’t so sure. Tommy’s real test of courage comes the day Christian falls into the creek and is swept downstream, along with the helmet. Tommy draws on memories of his dad–and the courage he finds inside himself–to rescue his brother.
Author Tim Hoppey was inspired to write The Good Fire Helmet after witnessing the bravery of two young sons of a fallen firefighter and realizing the courage all kids need in everyday life.
“…a touching story about what it means to be brave. … McElrath-Eslick adds to the story with her paintings of warm tones and lush brush strokes that capture the boys’ emotions, taking young readers on a journey of loss and growing up.”
—Gina Gilligan, The Grand Rapids Press
We asked kids what they think being brave means. Check out this video for what they had to say: