Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire

by Claudia Friddell, Troy Howell (Illustrator)

In 1904 the city of Baltimore was almost destroyed by fire. Hundreds of firemen, policemen, soldiers, and citizens battled the blaze for three days. The disaster brings out the best in man and the bravest of deeds, but one hero stands head and shoulders above all...literally. Goliath is a fire horse assigned to Engine Company 15. He is massive in size and mighty in heart and steadfastness. To the men of Engine Company 15, Goliath is the ultimate fire horse. He is the lead horse for the team assigned to pulling the mammoth Hale Water Tower No. 1. When the fire alarm sounds, calling them to action, Goliath leads his team into the blaze. Soon his lifesaving actions will lead him into the pages of history. Masterful artwork from acclaimed illustrator Troy Howell brings this true story to pulse-pounding life. Educator Claudia Friddell says of her work researching Goliath, "It was a privilege to meet and interview firefighters and fire historians about the Baltimore Fire of 1904." Goliath is her first children's book. Claudia lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Artist Troy Howell has had a prolific career as a children's book illustrator with countless books to his credit, including The Secret Garden, The Ugly Duckling, and Favorite Greek Myths. He received his formal art education from the Art Center in Los Angeles and the Illustrators' Workshops in New York. Troy lives in Falmouth, Virginia.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Horses, American History, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2010

About the author

For children’s author Claudia Friddell, discovering exciting stories from long ago is a lot like treasure hunting. Claudia's narrative nonfiction books include: Saving Lady Liberty, Grace Banker and Her Hello Girls Answer the Call, George Washington’s Spies, Goliath, Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire, To the Front! Clara Barton Braves the Battle of Antietam, Road Trip! Cool Off and Ride, and her new YA book, The Mysterious Virginia Hall, out now! A former teacher, Claudia loves to share her journeys and joys of bringing history to life through books with students, teachers, and history lovers of all ages. When she’s not visiting schools, digging for treasure in the library, or writing at her home in Baltimore, Claudia is reading, walking, and kayaking on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indeed, Goliath the Percheron’s non fiction picture book story is definitely engaging and very much inspiring, and author Claudia Friddell also clearly textually demonstrates with Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire that before the advent of fire engines fuelled and powered by gas, the many fire horses that had to pull these massive vehicles were generally quite as steadfast and also in every way as heroic as the firemen themselves, standing steadily and generally without panicking or bolting awaiting their handlers’ orders and commands even with flames and debris flying around. And considering that horses are in fact genetically pre-programmed to be massively afraid of fire, and thus instinctively tend to get spooked and try to flee, that in Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire Goliath the Percheron fire horse obviously remained standing totally calmly even as the structure the firemen were futilely trying to save (the Hurst Building) exploded and the resulting inferno was very seriously and painfully injuring him, I do find this both positive and praiseworthy, but that of course and naturally, part of me also kind of wishes that Goliath had actually up and bolted, that he had run away from the inferno and the flames that almost killed him, that scarred him for life.

But yes, I do definitely very much understand why for many Baltimorians Goliath’s tale is considered one of true equine heroism. And furthermore, I am also most definitely glad that the veterinarians assigned to care for Goliath after the explosion were both able and also willing to save Goliath’s life, as sadly, horses used as working animals were/are far too often seen as expendable resources, and it is thus sure a huge positive that this was delightfully not at all the case with Goliath, that Claudia Friddell ends Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire with a sufficiently recovered but scarred by the flames Goliath returning to the fire station and receiving a well earned hero’s welcome.

Four stars for how in Goliath: Hero of the Great Baltimore Fire Claudia Friddell tells of Goliath’s heroism without making the story sound too fantastical, too unbelievable and Goliath more than he actually is, a well trained and obedient Percheron horse that stood its ground, did not panic and although gravely injured saved both himself and his handler, but lowered to a high three stars for two main reasons, namely that I both want and desire a more expansive historical afterword and a bibliography with suggestions for further reading and that aesthetically, I do find Troy Howell’s accompanying illustrations a bit one dimensional and flat, not deep and nuanced enough for my visual tastes.

[Nadezda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for kids (specially if you live in Baltimore) Beautiful illustrations and great history lesson made easy for a 4 year old. Loved it:)

[Lauren Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about a two day fire that took place in Baltimore in 1904. It follows the story of a horse that works at a fire station and his story. I would recommend this book to fourth or fifth grade readers. The pages are dense with smaller text. Overall, this was a story I could relate to and it was a fun book to read. It was even more interesting that it was a true story. In the back there is additional information about how the fire may have been started.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding true story about Goliath the fire horse that was reliable and determined during the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated story of the famous fire horse who helped by pulling a water tower during Baltimore's three-day blaze in 1904. Children who love horses would probably treasure this book.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of Goliath, a huge horse that pulled the water tower for Engine Company 9 of the Baltimore Fire Department in 1904. The book recounts how Goliath's mighty strength and determination saved his company from being crushed and burned under a wall of debris, and then stayed despite being burnt himself to keep the water tower in position to fight the blaze. I loved Troy Howell's illustrations, especially the first one where Goliath is snorting in his stall. At the beginning and end of the book are photos of the real Goliath, as well as information about the rest of his life. Kids interested in firefighting and horses will love this one! Recommended.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to learn about Baltimore history.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book that tells the story of the hero horse during the great fire.

[Rachel Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book about courage in tragedy. Parents can get something from this book as well as well as children.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book shares the story of the Great Baltimore Fire and the brave horses who pulled the fire engines for the firefighters. Goliath could smell the fire before the people knew what was happening, and pulled the fire engine to safety by himself as a building collapsed. Interesting story! As someone who grew up with horses, they are prey animals so they are naturally quite fearful. Pulling a fire engine must be terrifying for them! It would take a lot of trust and training to get them to that point. Interesting story!

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

not a picture book! vocab and concepts too difficult for little ones. however, the story of the hero-horse is a wonderful one that all upper elementary children should share. i loved the illustrations!

[Lynne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring historical narrative.

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved learning this bit of history about my city! Wow, Goliath!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynne, you were right. Amazing book!