Uprising

coolnicki477 - From the eyes of three young girls in the disastrous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, two died tragically, but one survived. As Ms. Livingston told Harriet the story of long ago, the times of dreams or success, wealth, and happiness in America. Long ago, a girl named Bella had immigrated from Calia, Italy, She came with the dream of providing enough food for her family, struggling to live in the rural village back in Italy. As Bella arrives at Ellis Island in New York, the family that was supposed to care for her were sent back to Italy. Luckily, her cousin Pietro was already in America and took care of her. She immediately fell in love with him (which is quite strange because normally you wouldn't fall in love with a family member) They live in one of the tight tenement buildings in New York which are owned by the Luciano family. The Lucianos do not treat Bella and Pietro well, but Signora Luciano's son Rocco is very kind to Bella. (He falls in love with her later on). As Bella got a job at the Triangle, she met a girl named Yetta who was on strike because of unfair wages. They had made the uprising. However, Bella continued to work during the strike until she got horrible news. Her family had died in Calia from the lack of food. She felt heartbroken and so lonely because Pietro was gone, she had no family, and she recently found out that the Luciano's had been stealing her money with greed. She was so mad that she ran away and decided to live in a different tenement with Yetta and her older sister Rahel. Meanwhile, in the rich society of New York, Jane Wellington is having dreams of going to college, women's suffrage, and love from her father. Unfortunately, her father does not have the time to care for her, and her mother had died when she was born. She soon runs away with dreams to help the poor girls who work under horrible conditions and raise awareness for them. She comes to live with Yetta and Bella in the tenement, and they all worked together to survive. Later on, the three girls were at the factory, but someone had dropped a cigarette and the building soon went into flames. Bella had managed to escape safely, but Yetta had died to jump off the window, and Jane had burned herself to death in the building. All of the victims now were honored for their hard work and are forever remembered. I give this a 5 out of 5 and recommend this beautiful historical fiction based story by Haddix which truly happened at the Asch Building in New York City.

September 24, 2007
Although it begins in a didactic tone, this historical novel about New York City's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and the catastrophic Factory fire hits its stride to offer a compelling message about labor, sacrifice and the price of freedom in America. Haddix (the Shadow Children series) follows three very different girls: naïve Bella from Italy, who becomes a strikebreaker; the feisty Yetta, a Jewish immigrant from Russia who spearheads the strikes; and the socially prominent Jane, raised to marry for status and prestige. The pace and interest pick up once the infamous 1910 strike begins and the girls' experiences collide. The author ably motivates the various characters, for example, Yetta repeatedly survives beatings and incarceration for her convictions; Bella joins the strike only after learning her family has died and her landlords have stolen her savings; and Jane follows college friends to the picket line but returns of her own accord. Several well-sketched supporting characters highlight the broader effect of the struggle, such as Jane's chauffeur, who cheers her participation. The portrayal of the fire, which killed 146 workers, and its legacy memorably drives home both the bravery of girls who stood up to the powerful factory owners and the highly personal cost of progress. Ages 12-up.

September 1, 2007
Gr 6-8-This deftly crafted historical novel unfolds dramatically with an absorbing story and well-drawn characters who readily evoke empathy and compassion. Haddix has masterfully melded in-depth information about the history of immigration, the struggle for women's rights, the beginnings of the organized labor movement, and the horrific Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 within a narrative that will simultaneously engross and educate its readers. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Bella, an Italian immigrant teen; Yetta, a Russian Jewish immigrant; and Jane, the daughter of an upper-class American businessman. Yetta is opinionated and aware of how immigrants, especially women, are mistreated. She is outspoken and ready to work toward improving conditions. Bella is a new immigrant and easily taken advantage of. She only wants to earn money to send home so the rest of her family can join her in America. Though wealthy, Jane is influenced by college girls who are starting to work for women's rights. The three girls meet during the strike at the Triangle factory. Jane bravely leaves home when she learns that her father was involved in trying to break the strike. This absorbing and informative read is a wonderful companion to Mary Jane Auch's "Ashes of Roses" (Holt, 2002)."Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2007
Many children may have heard of theTriangle Shirtwaist Fire in 1911, whichkilled 146 workers and ultimately spurred workplace safety reforms.But they may not know about thestrike that occurred 13 months before. Haddix brings both events to life through the alternating voices of three young girls. Bella, 15, is newly emigrated from Italy;fiery Yetta, who fled Russian pogroms, is fiercely devoted to the union effort; Jane is thedaughter of a wealthy businessman. The girls meet onpicket lineswhere fashionable women have gatheredto support the garment workers cause. The characters are stock, and the historical information at first feels forced. These problems ease, however, as the story progresses: the various voices become more distinct, and the depiction of the factory and living conditions becomes appallingly vivid. A framing device, though somewhat heavy-handed, adds suspense and will keep readers turning the pages to discover which of the girls survives. An excellent authors note provides additional historical information.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)