Kids On Strike! by Susan Campbell Bartoletti Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on Oct. 25, 1999
Pages: 208
Source: Library
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By the early 1900s, nearly two million children were working in the United States. From the coal mines of Pennsylvania to the cotton mills of New England, children worked long hours every day under stunningly inhumane conditions. After years and years of oppression, children began to organize and make demands for better wages, fairer housing costs, and safer working environments.
Some strikes led by young people were successful; some were not. Some strike stories are shocking, some are heartbreaking, and many are inspiring — but all are a testimony to the strength of mind and spirit of the children who helped build American industry.
My Thoughts:
When I made my 2015 reading goal of reading one nonfiction book a month I knew Kids on Strike! was one of the books I wanted to get to. Somewhat embarrassingly, my desire to read it stems from one of my very favorite movies: Newsies! After recently re-watching the movie I wanted to know more about the actual events that inspired it. Kids On Strike! was one of the books I found.
This book is about so much more than just the newsies’ strike. It takes the reader through different strikes where children and/or young adults played key roles. I knew that the working and living conditions of the time were unacceptable, however, hearing specific stories were heartbreaking. I basically spent half the book with my hand pressed to my heart. It was horrifying to hear stories of children protesting to get a 55 hour work week instead of a 60 hour work week so they could have some time to go to school!
I think the most powerful thing about this book was how it reminded me that this is still the reality in many places around the world. Men, women, and children still work in sweatshops and other horrific working conditions. Just because these stories were from history doesn’t mean similar events aren’t still taking place.
Kids On Strike! was a really interesting read for a quick primer on some of the events that lead to the creation of child labor laws in the US.
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
Haha. I saw the title of this book, and immediately thought of Newsies as well! Seriously, what a fun movie that was!
Anyway, I’m so glad you enjoyed this, even though there were difficult parts to read. I’ve heard this author speak before and have been wanting to read some of her books. This one is going to the top of my list.