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Molly, by Golly!: The Legend of Molly Williams, America's First Female Firefighter
Last updated Monday, February 5, 2024
Author: Dianne Ochiltree
Illustrator: Kathleen Kemly
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 1590787218
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2024
Synopsis:
New York City's Fire Company Number 11 is in trouble. A deadly snowstorm is blowing, and many of the volunteers are sick in bed. When the fire alarm sounds, who will answer the call? Who will save the neighborhood? Molly Williams, the company's cook, for one! Clapping a weathered leather helmet on her head, strapping spatterdashes over her woolen leggings, and pulling on heavy work gloves - it's Molly, by golly, to the rescue. Young readers will enjoy plucky Molly Williams' legendary adventure as they learn how fires were fought in the early 1800s.
| Note to readers: |
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There are commonly asked questions right after the book ends that have some interesting facts you may read to the students.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you ever met a firefighter?
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Are firefighters brave?
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What do they do?
Vocabulary
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wondrous: inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight
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briskly: in an active, quick, or energetic way.
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embers: a small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood in a dying fire.
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scores: a large amount or number of something.
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shawl: a piece of fabric worn over the shoulders or head or wrapped around a baby.
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spatterdashes: a long gaiter or legging worn to keep stockings or pants clean, especially when riding.
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pumper: a fire engine that carries a hose and pumps water.
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ablaze: burning fiercely.
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brigade: a subdivision of an army, typically consisting of a small number of infantry battalions and/or other units and forming part of a division.
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timber: wood prepared for use in building and carpentry
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why is Molly's story important?
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How is being a firefighter now different than being one in this story?
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How do we know there is a fire today verse in the book?
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What are some qualities we know about Molly after reading her story?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make a Valentine’s Day card. (READERS: Write the word Valentine on the board or on a piece of paper so they have the correct spelling.)
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Make a firefighter helmet. Materials: paper plate, scissors, markers. Flip the paper plate to be upside down. Color the plate red but leave a space in the center to write your firefighter number. (as seen on Molly's head on the cover of the book). Next, get scissors and cut a "U" shaped cut in the inner portion of the paper plate. This will be the flap that comes up. Wear as a 'helmet'. https://momstown-toronto.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-to-make-fun-and-super-easy.html
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Draw a firetruck with the student as a firefighter in the front seat.
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Use yellow/gold construction paper to cut out a badge that the students may decorate as their firefighter badge.
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Use red, yellow, and orange construction paper to make fire.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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