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Radio Rescue
2AZK saves the day!
Back in 1923, a long-distance telephone call took hours to place, and overseas calls weren't possible at all. But a new invention, called wireless radio, permitted instant communication over long distances. A young boy, itching to get involved, buys a secondhand receiver and earphones, and studies hard to learn Morse code so that he can pass the test to qualify as an amateur radio operator and get his own 2AZK. Its fun talking with people all over the world just by tapping on his telegraph key (and readers can tap along - there's Morse code to follow in the pictures). Then one night he picks up a distress signal from Florida -- family stranded in flood -- and uses his skill for something more important. Based on the author's father's experiences as a young ham operator in the 1920s, Radio Rescue is an exciting story of a moment in technological history.
Back in 1923, a long-distance telephone call took hours to place, and overseas calls weren't possible at all. But a new invention, called wireless radio, permitted instant communication over long distances. A young boy, itching to get involved, buys a secondhand receiver and earphones, and studies hard to learn Morse code so that he can pass the test to qualify as an amateur radio operator and get his own 2AZK. Its fun talking with people all over the world just by tapping on his telegraph key (and readers can tap along - there's Morse code to follow in the pictures). Then one night he picks up a distress signal from Florida -- family stranded in flood -- and uses his skill for something more important. Based on the author's father's experiences as a young ham operator in the 1920s, Radio Rescue is an exciting story of a moment in technological history.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2000
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Barasch
13 books3 followersLynne Barasch was born in New York City and grew up in Woodmere, Long Island. She attended Rhode Island School of Design and holds a B.F.A. from Parsons School of Design. She lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 25, 2019
Grade: Second Grade
Summary: This is a story about a young boy learning Morse Code. He goes through trials and tribulations, but in the end is a hero.
Review: The pictures in this book are amazing. I love how this story is based on the author's father actual life. I feel as though this narrative would be great for young children especially those who are good readers.
As a class, we can create a Morse Code communication system. We can create a class book written in Morse Code with the actual words underneath the dots and dashes.
Another activity for a class after a read aloud of this book would have each child create a page for a class book about one thing they wish to master by the end of the year, like riding a bike or making a tree house.
Summary: This is a story about a young boy learning Morse Code. He goes through trials and tribulations, but in the end is a hero.
Review: The pictures in this book are amazing. I love how this story is based on the author's father actual life. I feel as though this narrative would be great for young children especially those who are good readers.
As a class, we can create a Morse Code communication system. We can create a class book written in Morse Code with the actual words underneath the dots and dashes.
Another activity for a class after a read aloud of this book would have each child create a page for a class book about one thing they wish to master by the end of the year, like riding a bike or making a tree house.
February 12, 2018
This was an excellent connection to our 2nd grade communications unit! The students really enjoyed the history and how someone so young could make an impact. The only drawback was that it was a bit long for carpet time reading...so I would break it up if reading that way.
March 13, 2024
It was so interesting learning about how phones worked back in those days. It was also fascinating to read about this true story of a boy rescuing people by using Morse code. I really enjoyed it! Not sure why the reporter referred to him as an infant, since the boy was 12 years old.
January 27, 2018
This is a great story of persistence, history, and heroism--all of a boy no more than twelve. As for inspirational stories for children, I think this is an amazing one.
April 11, 2018
LOVE the photograph at the end of the story!
February 17, 2019
Interesting story about the role of a young ham radio operator in the early part of the 20th century. The author/illustrator is the son of the main character
September 10, 2020
My family enjoyed this historical fiction picture book. It served as a good introduction to morse code and ham radio operation for my daughter. The story started slow, but my child loved the end.
April 24, 2021
Lo leímos como parte de la formación escolar de mi hijo cuando cursaba el tercer grado.
Interesante, nada espectacular.
Interesante, nada espectacular.
July 31, 2024
This is a great story (true story) and a nice intro to Morse Code. I really enjoyed this.
January 23, 2025
Neat, true story about a young Morse code operator. Would be a good book to recommend to kids who like tech history or STEM.
August 26, 2025
I love a good non-fiction picture book!
June 5, 2013
What do the following people have in common: Michael Faraday (1791-1867), Samuel F.B. Morse (1791-1872), James C Maxwell (1831-1879), Heinrich Hertz (1857-1894), Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) & Lee de Forest (1873-1961), read the book to find out!
In the Author's note at the beginning of this book it states that the boy in this book is actually her father, who was the youngest to receive an amateur radio license, at that time: 1923, 10 yrs old. Even with this information, the book is not found in the non-fiction area of the Salt Lake County library. (Later found to be in the non-fiction area of the Orem Public Library) At the time, phone calls across the country could take hours to be connected and overseas calls were completely impossible. But there was another form of communication emerging, using electronic signals in Morse Code. Those who use this form of communication were quickly nicknamed HAMS. More importantly, this form of communication made it possible to communicate with others around the world!
Back in this day, it was a must to learn Morse Code, as that is how this system worked. Now, it is no longer a requirement, but in my opinion it is always good to learn new things. One trick this young boy used to learn and remember Morse Code was to tap out everything he saw or thought as we went about his business everyday. What a great tool, works for learning so many things, including most any language...translate any and everything you can, as you learn more and more vocabulary. As I, and many others, know from experience, if you don't use it, you lose it! ..and that is just sad! Another thing he did that is a great learning tool to help remember things is to buddy up with someone who was already licensed and experienced. They can offer so much by example and mentoring and, often most important, encouragement!
Ham radio operators are always on the job and available during emergencies. Often times the phone lines are down and power out and such, leaving every other form of communication impossible. Hams are still needed and used, I would encourage everyone to check into getting licensed. If I can do it, anyone can! It was quite simple, spent a Saturday morning at a class that went over the test info, got to take practice tests to my hearts content and then took the test for real. Passed it on my first try. I have yet to really use it, but it is good to know that I can, if and when I need to or choose to! For more information, check out this website for the Amateur Radio Relay League to find Exam Sessions near you. (http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-r...) If you are in Utah, check out the Utah Amateur Radio Club for more local info! (http://user.xmission.com/~uarc/)
I enjoyed this cute story about something that most would think is completely obsolete. I assure you it is not obsolete! I recommend this book to everyone. It is a children's book and can be used to teach about other forms of communication. Or maybe, someone in your family has their license and can share their experiences alongside this story. Or even used to just learn more about something an ancestor was greatly involved in.....enjoy and let me know what your thoughts are!
My favorite quote would be the following, after this young boy met a local HAM, Bill, who, at 17 was mentoring this 10 yr old. They had the following conversation:
"How would I ever sort it all out? "Dot by dot and dash by dash," Bill joked. Then he laughed and said, "Didididit didit." It was until I read the notebook that I discovered what that meant. Laughter in Morse code!"
Oh, and one last note, here are our call signs - Steve: KB7ZVU since 1993 Rebecca: KD7ZCP since 2003 If you have yours, share your call sign below, if not, go get it now and then come back and let us know what it is and then enjoy!
In the Author's note at the beginning of this book it states that the boy in this book is actually her father, who was the youngest to receive an amateur radio license, at that time: 1923, 10 yrs old. Even with this information, the book is not found in the non-fiction area of the Salt Lake County library. (Later found to be in the non-fiction area of the Orem Public Library) At the time, phone calls across the country could take hours to be connected and overseas calls were completely impossible. But there was another form of communication emerging, using electronic signals in Morse Code. Those who use this form of communication were quickly nicknamed HAMS. More importantly, this form of communication made it possible to communicate with others around the world!
Back in this day, it was a must to learn Morse Code, as that is how this system worked. Now, it is no longer a requirement, but in my opinion it is always good to learn new things. One trick this young boy used to learn and remember Morse Code was to tap out everything he saw or thought as we went about his business everyday. What a great tool, works for learning so many things, including most any language...translate any and everything you can, as you learn more and more vocabulary. As I, and many others, know from experience, if you don't use it, you lose it! ..and that is just sad! Another thing he did that is a great learning tool to help remember things is to buddy up with someone who was already licensed and experienced. They can offer so much by example and mentoring and, often most important, encouragement!
Ham radio operators are always on the job and available during emergencies. Often times the phone lines are down and power out and such, leaving every other form of communication impossible. Hams are still needed and used, I would encourage everyone to check into getting licensed. If I can do it, anyone can! It was quite simple, spent a Saturday morning at a class that went over the test info, got to take practice tests to my hearts content and then took the test for real. Passed it on my first try. I have yet to really use it, but it is good to know that I can, if and when I need to or choose to! For more information, check out this website for the Amateur Radio Relay League to find Exam Sessions near you. (http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-r...) If you are in Utah, check out the Utah Amateur Radio Club for more local info! (http://user.xmission.com/~uarc/)
I enjoyed this cute story about something that most would think is completely obsolete. I assure you it is not obsolete! I recommend this book to everyone. It is a children's book and can be used to teach about other forms of communication. Or maybe, someone in your family has their license and can share their experiences alongside this story. Or even used to just learn more about something an ancestor was greatly involved in.....enjoy and let me know what your thoughts are!
My favorite quote would be the following, after this young boy met a local HAM, Bill, who, at 17 was mentoring this 10 yr old. They had the following conversation:
"How would I ever sort it all out? "Dot by dot and dash by dash," Bill joked. Then he laughed and said, "Didididit didit." It was until I read the notebook that I discovered what that meant. Laughter in Morse code!"
Oh, and one last note, here are our call signs - Steve: KB7ZVU since 1993 Rebecca: KD7ZCP since 2003 If you have yours, share your call sign below, if not, go get it now and then come back and let us know what it is and then enjoy!
September 7, 2011
Genre: Historical Picture Book
This story is set in 1923 when wireless radio communication was invented and gaining popularity. A ten year old boy decides he wants to be involved and devotes his time and efforts to become a certified Ham radio operator. At first he thought being a Ham radio operator would just be a fun hobby, but little did he know that his efforts at such a young age would prove beneficial and live saving in more ways than one.
a.) A major strength of this book is the accuracy in describing the use and process of wireless radio communication and Morse code.
b.) The book goes into great detail in explaining the way people of those times communicated by providing some background information. In that time period, people spoke with operators to get connected to the person you wanted to contact and had to wait hours and even days to communicate with them; international calls were out of the question. However, the invention and introduction of wireless radio communication greatly changed this process. The author also did a good job of explaining the process of how to become a Ham radio operator and benefits of being one in that time period through the eyes of a young boy. Readers see him go through each step, from learning to write and decode Morse code messages, to taking the licensure test, to creating his own station in his bedroom. Another good point made by the author in this area is stressing the difficulties one may have faced in becoming a Ham radio operator. Hard work and practice were necessary to hold such responsibility.
c.) When the young boy first started working towards his license, Morse code did not come easy to him. In fact, he didn’t pass the test the first time he took it. However, this didn’t stop him; it only made him work and practice harder. This following example not only shows one way he would practice, but it also describes a simple way messages were transmitted and received using wireless radio communication, “There wasn’t much room, so when I bought my secondhand receiver and earphones, I put them in my bedroom. I would not be allowed to send Morse code until I got my amateur, or ham, license and a radio transmitter. But with my receiver and earphones I could dial up and down the frequencies and listen the other people sending Morse code. A single wire ran from my window to the roof, the only aerial this simple setup needed” (p. 5).
Curriculum Connection: This is a great option for a read-aloud for younger students to introduce them to older forms of communication prior to the days of cell phones, texting, and the Internet, as well as provides the combination of dots and dashes for children to try Morse code if they were interested. It is also a great story to teach students about finding out what you love to do and sticking with it despite obstacles.
This story is set in 1923 when wireless radio communication was invented and gaining popularity. A ten year old boy decides he wants to be involved and devotes his time and efforts to become a certified Ham radio operator. At first he thought being a Ham radio operator would just be a fun hobby, but little did he know that his efforts at such a young age would prove beneficial and live saving in more ways than one.
a.) A major strength of this book is the accuracy in describing the use and process of wireless radio communication and Morse code.
b.) The book goes into great detail in explaining the way people of those times communicated by providing some background information. In that time period, people spoke with operators to get connected to the person you wanted to contact and had to wait hours and even days to communicate with them; international calls were out of the question. However, the invention and introduction of wireless radio communication greatly changed this process. The author also did a good job of explaining the process of how to become a Ham radio operator and benefits of being one in that time period through the eyes of a young boy. Readers see him go through each step, from learning to write and decode Morse code messages, to taking the licensure test, to creating his own station in his bedroom. Another good point made by the author in this area is stressing the difficulties one may have faced in becoming a Ham radio operator. Hard work and practice were necessary to hold such responsibility.
c.) When the young boy first started working towards his license, Morse code did not come easy to him. In fact, he didn’t pass the test the first time he took it. However, this didn’t stop him; it only made him work and practice harder. This following example not only shows one way he would practice, but it also describes a simple way messages were transmitted and received using wireless radio communication, “There wasn’t much room, so when I bought my secondhand receiver and earphones, I put them in my bedroom. I would not be allowed to send Morse code until I got my amateur, or ham, license and a radio transmitter. But with my receiver and earphones I could dial up and down the frequencies and listen the other people sending Morse code. A single wire ran from my window to the roof, the only aerial this simple setup needed” (p. 5).
Curriculum Connection: This is a great option for a read-aloud for younger students to introduce them to older forms of communication prior to the days of cell phones, texting, and the Internet, as well as provides the combination of dots and dashes for children to try Morse code if they were interested. It is also a great story to teach students about finding out what you love to do and sticking with it despite obstacles.
October 18, 2011
1) Picture Book-Historical Fiction
2) “Radio Rescue” is a book about a boy who dreamed of becoming a licensed radio operator. After studying Morse Code for over a year, he received his license and even saved a family during a terrible storm.
3a) Morse Code used; Connection to a real story
3b) Some children may not know what Morse Code is, so instead of the author/illustrator just stating that the main character needed to study Morse Code, she included examples of how it works. Without the pictures providing details about Morse Code, the book would be missing a substantial piece of information. While using some fictional aspects, the author used many real life details about her father, who the main character is based on.
3c) On the last page of the book, the author/illustrator included a full page of alphabetic Morse Code and Morse Code for numbers zero through nine. Since this was provided, readers are able to explore Morse Code hands-on. One page 22, it illustrated how operators communicated back and forth. In the author’s note on page 5, the author stated, “The boy in this book is actually my father, and the story is based on his experiences as a young radio operator, the youngest to be licensed in the United States.” Also included was an actual clip from a newspaper article after her father assisted with rescuing that family (p. 34).
4) Using language arts, students will write about what we currently use to help rescue people. Students will include at least 3 items (firemen, police, EMT, military, email, cell phone, etc.).
2) “Radio Rescue” is a book about a boy who dreamed of becoming a licensed radio operator. After studying Morse Code for over a year, he received his license and even saved a family during a terrible storm.
3a) Morse Code used; Connection to a real story
3b) Some children may not know what Morse Code is, so instead of the author/illustrator just stating that the main character needed to study Morse Code, she included examples of how it works. Without the pictures providing details about Morse Code, the book would be missing a substantial piece of information. While using some fictional aspects, the author used many real life details about her father, who the main character is based on.
3c) On the last page of the book, the author/illustrator included a full page of alphabetic Morse Code and Morse Code for numbers zero through nine. Since this was provided, readers are able to explore Morse Code hands-on. One page 22, it illustrated how operators communicated back and forth. In the author’s note on page 5, the author stated, “The boy in this book is actually my father, and the story is based on his experiences as a young radio operator, the youngest to be licensed in the United States.” Also included was an actual clip from a newspaper article after her father assisted with rescuing that family (p. 34).
4) Using language arts, students will write about what we currently use to help rescue people. Students will include at least 3 items (firemen, police, EMT, military, email, cell phone, etc.).
November 9, 2011
Genre: Picture Book- Historical Fiction
Summary: 2AZK were the call letters for a licensed wireless radio operator in New York City. Who knew that the radio operator was only 13 years old! This book follows the operator known as 2AZK and his contributions rescuing people in disasters.
Critique: (a)This book finds its strength in the historical accuracy of the story.
(b)The book is based on Barasch's father's memories. The accuracy of the story is found in all the details of the time period as well as the details involving Morse code.
(c)Many new things can be learned from this book because of its accuracy. I learned that, "To do it, you needed a transmitter, a receiver, and an aerial. Soon aerials were sprouting on rooftops all over the city." Until reading this book I had never even heard of an aerial. The accuracy and details provided are important to the story.
Curriculum connection: The obvious connection that can be made with this book would be for students interested in learning about Morse code. The book explains many of the details involving Morse code and can inspire students who want to learn the code for themselves.
Summary: 2AZK were the call letters for a licensed wireless radio operator in New York City. Who knew that the radio operator was only 13 years old! This book follows the operator known as 2AZK and his contributions rescuing people in disasters.
Critique: (a)This book finds its strength in the historical accuracy of the story.
(b)The book is based on Barasch's father's memories. The accuracy of the story is found in all the details of the time period as well as the details involving Morse code.
(c)Many new things can be learned from this book because of its accuracy. I learned that, "To do it, you needed a transmitter, a receiver, and an aerial. Soon aerials were sprouting on rooftops all over the city." Until reading this book I had never even heard of an aerial. The accuracy and details provided are important to the story.
Curriculum connection: The obvious connection that can be made with this book would be for students interested in learning about Morse code. The book explains many of the details involving Morse code and can inspire students who want to learn the code for themselves.
October 29, 2014
I come from a long line of amateur (ham) radio operators, and my son received this from Grandpa and Grandma (both hams) for his sixth birthday. It's been a hit.
The information is accurate but simplified for someone who doesn't have a radio or electronics background. It gives kids a look at days before direct dial telephones, TVs and the variety of cars we see in our modern world. It has some nice friendships and shows how perseverance can pay off (even when you fail at first). While not mentioned in the book, I'd like to point out that amateur radio operators continue to function for emergency communications in the exact same way as the main character does in this book.
The information is accurate but simplified for someone who doesn't have a radio or electronics background. It gives kids a look at days before direct dial telephones, TVs and the variety of cars we see in our modern world. It has some nice friendships and shows how perseverance can pay off (even when you fail at first). While not mentioned in the book, I'd like to point out that amateur radio operators continue to function for emergency communications in the exact same way as the main character does in this book.
January 8, 2013
Here's another great little book I stumbled upon to go with a history lesson. Our lesson today was about Samuel Morse. This book is based on the author's father's experiences as the youngest ham radio operator (at the time). It added a lot to our homeschooling today. I particularly liked the part about him going up on his roof and signalling ships with a flashlight. He took messages from sailors to call their loved ones and let them know when the sailors would be coming home. They showed up to thank him, not realizing he was a 12 year old boy. Also, his mother didn't know what he was doing on the roof. I really enjoyed this book, and Dax liked it, too.
April 3, 2012
This is the story of a boy who studied hard to become a ham operator using early radio technology. It's loosely based on the experiences of the author's father. Excellent use of historical details create the contest and an engaging narrative of the obstacles the boy faced moves us through the story. Includes Morse code and other handy codes. Black line and watercolor illustrations give full details.
May 28, 2009
Okay, I thought this was a charming story! Enjoyed the history lesson behind it as well. The main character is a resourceful kid who persisted with learning the ham radio license material, didn't give up, and ended up having fun AND helping people with his new hobby. Has me wondering what it would take to get a ham radio license these days. (Do they still require Morse Code?)
January 17, 2011
This was a somewhat wordy book about a ten year old boy who is obsessed with ham radios... back in the 1920s. Of course, as you could guess, he saves some lives in the end of the book, but mostly it's about the details of learning this skill back 100 years ago.
It's more interesting than I'm making it sound.
It's more interesting than I'm making it sound.
March 25, 2016
This is a great book about ham radio and how important it was back in the 20's and how it is still relevant today. I have a boy in my class who is currently studying to get his ham radio operator's license and he, of course, was paying attention to every detail. The historic photo at the end was perfect!
March 15, 2011
I found this book fascinating. Based on the author's grandfather,it's actually for older kids than it's picture book status would suggest. If you're 8-10 year old (boys especially will read a picture book, he will not be disappointed- and you will learn a lot as well.
January 16, 2012
Since he was 10 years old, a young boy wanted to operate a wireless radio communication using Morse Code. However, to be an operator, he had to study Morse Code and take a test to earn his operator's license.
This story is the author telling the story of her father as the young boy.
This story is the author telling the story of her father as the young boy.
April 30, 2015
gr 2-4 illustrated fiction
1920s, NYC. Boy uses his wireless ham radio to pass on messages to people in NYC from hurricane survivors in Florida when the phone lines are down. When he learns a Florida family is stranded, he contacts the Coast Guard
Based on a true story
1920s, NYC. Boy uses his wireless ham radio to pass on messages to people in NYC from hurricane survivors in Florida when the phone lines are down. When he learns a Florida family is stranded, he contacts the Coast Guard
Based on a true story
January 22, 2008
A true story about a 10-year-old boy who in 1932 actually rescued someone in distress via his home-made ham radio.
May 20, 2009
It's a cool book for a kid wanting to learn about Ham radio and what can be done with it. Morse code (called CW) is no longer required so it's a little dated.
April 12, 2010
Booklegger Spring Program (2nd)
July 26, 2010
It's been a while since I've read this book. Seems like I didnt like it when I read it. Can't remember what the book was about though. Guess it didn't make an impression on me.
September 15, 2011
Grades 2-5. Great slice of history regarding new technology-- in this case radio and morse code.
August 12, 2016
A young boy studies and hobby with wireless radio in the 1920s leads to global experiences and notoriaty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews