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I‘m giving this a low pick because I liked the history & characters. My library‘s book challenge has this book as a prompt—they‘re going to do a book discussion & podcast ep about it, so I read it. It started out good, there‘s a lot of action, but it just seemed so slow to me. Based on the history of the Battle of Blair Mountain, the coal miners‘ fight to have unions & safer working conditions. Maybe I would have rather read a NF account. 👇

“Clara knows in her heart what is right, and she is not afraid to fight for it.“

Meet Clara Lemlich, the unstoppable force behind the largest women-led strike in U.S. history. Brave Girl by Michelle Markel and Melissa Sweet is an inspiring tale of courage, determination, and the fight for fairness. With dynamic illustrations and a powerful message, this book celebrates a young woman who refused to stay silent and changed the world for working women everywhere.

Brave Girl tells the powerful story of Clara Lemlich, a young immigrant who led the charge for workers' rights in early 20th-century America. Michelle Markel‘s compelling narrative brings Clara‘s bravery and determination to life, while Melissa Sweet‘s stunning mixed-media illustrations vividly capture the energy of the labor movement.

“They could have killed every one of you”

I would use this to show my students that literature can be used with songs. I would also use this to teach my students to fight for what is right.

In George Ella Lyons book, Which side are you on? Published in 2011. The story is told of the classic union song that was written in 1931 by Florence Reece in a rain of bullets. It has been sung by people fighting for their rights all over the world.

Another book club read. It just wasn‘t for me. Maybe because I did it as an audio book? Maybe because I wasn‘t interested in the topic? Maybe I wasn‘t able to fully comprehend it due to current events? Either way, it was very well written and narrated. I did learn a thing or 2 about the unionization of coal mining. Just too many old western type shoot outs for me.

“We are not afraid to fight for what is right.“

This picture book tells the inspiring story of Clara Lemlich, a young immigrant girl who became a leader in the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909, fighting for better working conditions and fair wages for garment workers.