Brave Girl

Gr 1–5—This is the inspiring story of immigrant Clara Lemlich, a girl who led the largest walkout of female workers in U.S. history when she urged young women to leave their jobs in New York City garment factories and strike for higher pay and better working conditions. Michelle Markel and Melissa Sweet's picture book (HarperCollins, 2013) of overcoming adversity and fighting for what is right is presented with an optional read-along feature, and there is also bonus background material. Narrator Lesa Lockford mimics the rat-a-tat-a-tat of the sewing machines and Clara's urgent appeal to the workers: "Strike!" The background sound effects—including the click of sewing needles and the sounds of the factory doors locking after the young girls enter—paint a realistic picture of working conditions in the early 1900s. The story's background music, with its international flair, is also a subtle nod to Clara's immigrant heritage. This production supports Common Core Standards, and it will be a solid addition to classes studying immigration or labor history.—Anne Bozievich, Friendship Elementary School, Glen Rock, PA