Headstrong Hallie! The story of Hallie Morse Daggett, the first female "fire guard"

Born in 1878, Hallie Morse Daggett lived in the Siskiyou Mountains of California, where she hiked, hunted, and fished with her sister and brother. Though relatively fearless, she knew that fire posed a threat to her home in the woods. After graduating from boarding school, she applied for a job watching for forest fires, but she was denied the opportunity, as those positions were not open to women. "Headstrong Hallie" continued sending applications to the U.S. Forest Service. In 1913, after several years of repeated rejections, she was appointed to work solo at the Eddy Gulch Lookout Station, which overlooked her childhood home. Daggett kept watch over the forest for 14 years, until she retired from her post. The author's note, which includes photos and additional biographical information, mentions that little is known about Daggett's day-to-day life. The digital illustrations use color beautifully to heighten drama and to create a vivid sense of people and places. This appealing picture book tells the story of a woman who pursued her dream and succeeded in her chosen field.

Gr 1--5--Hallie Morse Daggett, a white woman who grew up near California's Siskiyou Mountains in the early 20th century, was acutely aware of the danger that wildfires posed to her family and her beloved wilderness. After finishing school, Daggett was determined to work for the U.S. Forest Service, but faced disdain, dismissal, and a pile of rejection letters because of her gender. Daggett knew she was the right person for the job, so she carved a space for herself in a male-dominated field. In 1913, she was finally hired. Though her male peers doubted her ability, Daggett excelled at her work and thrived at the remote Eddy Gulch outlook station. She spotted 40 fires in her first season. Hohn's detailed, expressive illustrations burst with action and color, bringing Daggett and her surroundings to life. Daggett's story is told in a narrative style, with short paragraphs that complement Hohn's illustrated spreads. Throughout, Daggett's self-confidence never wavers, even when she is repeatedly told she is not capable of accomplishing what a man can do. Back matter includes an author's note with several photos and more information on Daggett's life. VERDICT A picture book biography with luminous illustrations that are just as powerful as the empowering story of a young woman who refused to take "no" for an answer. Recommended.--Allison Staley, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

Hallie Morse Daggett dreamed of joining the US Forest Service to fight fires in California's Siskiyou Mountains -- an unheard-of goal for a woman at the turn of the previous century. But Hallie persisted and was finally hired as a fire lookout in 1913. She spent fifteen fire seasons in a primitive mountain cabin reporting on smoke and flames, contending with fierce electrical storms, and fending off wild animals. Bissonette's engaging portrayal of a self-assured and determined figure is enhanced by Hohn's imaginative illustrations. An author's note provides more detail and includes three black-and-white archival photos. (c) Copyright 2023. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Growing up roaming the forests of California's Siskiyou Mountains, the only thing Hallie Morse Daggett fears is fire. She's seen it devastate the forests, and it's come terrifyingly close to her own home, and she brings food to the men of the U.S. Forest Service whenever they fight fires nearby. When she grows up she applies to work for them--again and again, always to be told they don't hire women. But when, in 1913, a fire-lookout position opens up right before fire season begins and Daggett, now 30, again applies, the Forest Service finally says yes. The men take bets that she won't last in the tiny, isolated cabin she's assigned, but of course she does, spotting 40 fires in her first season. When, 14 years later, the wee cabin is replaced by a much fancier installation, Daggett retires after only one season in it, a decision framed by Bissonette in her admiring, economically engaging narration as prompted by her distaste for frippery. In her author's note, Bissonette describes the paucity of the historical record and fills in the scant details of Daggett's life following her retirement. In Hohn's illustrations, Daggett appears as a lanky, determined White girl and woman. The backdrop of trees and mountains she appears against is rendered in a disappointingly pastel palette, effectively foregrounding Daggett but failing to represent the region's rugged majesty. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 60.1% of actual size.) An efficient introduction to another groundbreaking woman. (Picture book/biography. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.