# Attention Sneaker Lovers and Bookworms!
Step into a world where bravery, teamwork, and a pair of magic shoes unite for thrilling adventures that are sure to ignite readers' imaginations! Mike the Friendly Firefighter: The Wild Car Fire by Brittany D. Jones follows the extraordinary journey of a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Engineer, who discovers that his job goes far beyond extinguishing flames.
"Firefighter Mike loved sneakers! So grab your favorite pair of kicks and come celebrate his birthday, reading, and Black History Month with us," said author Brittany D. Jones.
The event includes a read-aloud of the book and a few special guests - including Mayor Donna Deegan who just launched River City Readers, a citywide reading challenge for students of all ages! “To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” ― Victor Hugo
# JOIN
Junior Lit Chat Author Talk with Brittany Jones on Saturday, February 17, from 1-2 p.m. live at the Main Library (in the Lounge at 303 North, inside the front entrance on Laura Street and to the left). Spend time with author Brittany Jones as she talks about her brand-new book, Mike the Friendly Firefighter: The Wild Car Fire, based on real-life Jacksonville firefighter, Mike Freeland! The first 50 children in attendance will receive a FREE copy of Mike the Friendly Firefighter: The Wild Car Fire, along with some other goodies! This event is intended for kids ages 5-12.
Brittany D. Jones is a new children's book author and is excited to bring "Mike the Friendly Firefighter" and his journey to save the day whether in or outside of uniform to young readers. She hopes that his stories inspire children to help someone in their time of need.
She is also an Emmy-nominated, award-winning, and seasoned journalist with more than a dozen years of professional experience in news reporting, anchoring, writing, and branding. She graduated from the University of Florida’s “J-School” program, with her Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications and Broadcast Journalism.
Jones began her career as a political reporter at The Florida Channel in Tallahassee. After working at several stations across the Sunshine State, she returned to the State Capitol to grace the national desk with the historical Black News Channel. Jones is a proven journalist who has written thousands of stories and anchored and hosted hundreds of newscasts and shows.
She is especially known for her infectious and authentic delivery across the air and digital platforms. She has covered everything from entertainment, education, politics, business, health, you name it! She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Vice President of the Mike Freeland Foundation, a board member of Young Black and Widowed.
The book was inspired by her late fiancé, JFRD member Mike Freeland.
"The city has shown our family an unimaginable and immeasurable amount of love and support for his dedication to those near and far. He worked to save countless lives for seven and half years with JFRD... He was and “is” the true example of who Chief Keith Powers called “one with a servant’s heart.” This young, dedicated first responder was in the process of preparing for the Lieutenant’s exam and obtaining his fire inspector’s certification before his passing. He was also less than two months away from becoming a dedicated husband just as he was a dedicated son, brother, nephew, friend, and co-worker." - Brittany D. Jones
# READ
Mike the Friendly Firefighter: The Wild Car Fire
# BRITTANY RECOMMENDS:
The Arthur Series, The Magic School Bus Series, and Junie B. Jones!
# THE LIBRARY RECOMMENDS:
For Black History Month:
To learn more about firefighters:
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