Both a student and a staffer recommended Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix, (who BTW has a very cool website. I especially like her info for students writing reports!)
So I bought UPRISING and am just getting started on what promises to be a heartbreaking historical read about the 1911 fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.
"Tell me about the fire."
Mr.s Livngston stares at the young woman standing before her-the young woman who has barged into her house univited, unannounced. Mrs. Livingston is known for her kindness and charity; her friends say that Mrs. Livingston will listen to anyone who is troubled or lonely or sad. Even beggars in the street. Even women of ill repute.
But Ms. Livingston cannot hide her disgust at the sight of this young woman with the dark bobbed hair, her trim body swathed in a fine fur coat.
"You're one of the daughters," Mrs. Livingston finally says. "Harriet?"
Harriet nods. Slowly.
"Then you were there," Mrs. Livingston says. "You saw what happened."
"I was five years old," Harriet says. "All I remember is smoke and flames and people screaming. And being carried to safety."
"Yes, you got out safely," Mrs. Livingston says. "Unharmed."
"So did you."
But wait! There's more. Another young adult novel.
And these for younger readers.
Of course, there is also non-fiction for adults. Wow! Most of these books were published in the last 5 -7 years. I'm guessing 9/11 has something to do with the resurgence of interest in a New York city high rise tragedy.
If you're a teacher who wants to explore the history of labor in America check out this site.
And there are plenty of clips on You Tube related to this tragic piece of history as well. Wow! I could get caught up in this reading thread (if I didn't have a research adventure of my own to focus on!)
Oh, I've read a few younger books on it, but not the YA--I think I'll have to check that out.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to read this book by Haddix. I tried reading Ashes of Roses a few years ago and couldn't get past the first page. The lack of research immediately turned me off. For instance, the author mentioned a sepia photograph. Like there were other options?
ReplyDeleteBecky, let me know what you think. Barbara, thanks for the heads up on Ashes of Roses. I might still try reading it - but then again there's so little time for all that I want to read.
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