Saturday, May 16, 2009

The Locket: Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire by Suzanne Lieurance - Book Review


Title: The Locket: Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Written by: Suzanne Lieurance
Ages: 10 and up
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 978-0-7660-2928-6
Published: May 2008
Hardcover: 160 pages
Price: $25.00

Be transported to 1911, when millions of immigrants fled their homelands with hopes to find a better life in America. Working conditions were horrendous in the clothing factories and many men, women, and children were crammed into sewing rooms to earn meager wages. To fight the unacceptable conditions thrust upon them, scores of immigrants began to organize unions to fight the sweat shop owners for better working conditions and wages.

Journey along with Galena and her older sister, Anya, two of the numerous immigrants, forced to work in horrific conditions to help support their families. In fear of loosing their jobs, Galena and Anya’s Russian immigrant parents forbad involvement in such unions.

“It’s no use, Mary. Mama will never agree to let Anya join the union. If Anya goes to that meeting tonight she’ll be deliberately defying her, Galena said.”

Anya’s defiance is apparent to Galena, but she keeps Anya’s secret. Before the unions become established, tragedy strikes and sends Galena’s life into a terrible tailspin. Will she have the courage to move on in her grief and fight for the union?

Learn about a pivotal time in American history through author, Suzanne Lieurance’s, The Locket: Surviving the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire.” The historical aspects are accurately portrayed through the eyes of Galena and is accompanied with a “Real History Behind the Story” section and suggested reading list of fiction and non-fiction titles. The reader will surely be cheering out loud for the immigrants betrayed in this mesmerizing story of grief and triumph.

Visit Suzanne and learn more about her distinguished children's author, freelance writer, and writing coach careers at: www.suzannelieurance.com.
Book review by: Donna M. McDine

2 comments:

  1. That was a terrible tragedy in America's history. The book sounds awesome and would be a great asset in history classrooms.

    Bev

    http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. While I was growing up, Mama often spoke of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. As a result, I have always been drawn to anything written about it. Although Mama had not been born, yet, that tragedy had a great impact on her life and I always felt that her sense of compassion was intensely heightened by her knowledge of the Triangle Shirtwaist Firs.
    I look forward to reading the book.

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