1902 – 1915
During the Industrial Revolution, many children worked long hours in factories, mines, and farms under harsh conditions. Reformers fought to end these practices, advocating for laws to protect children. Their efforts led to the establishment of child labor laws, compulsory education, and better working conditions. This movement helped ensure that children could grow up in safer environments with access to education and opportunities for a brighter future. You can find books about the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era here.
Picture books
The Traveling Camera: Lewis Hine and the Fight to End Child Labor
Stunning introduction to Lewis Hine, whose photographs of child laborers helped bring about reform
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Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children
Inspiring story of a woman who protested child labor conditions
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Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909
True story of a girl who advocated for labor reform
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Chapter books
The Journal of Finn Reardon: A Newsie, New York City, 1899
Fictional diary of a newsboy
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The Child Labor Reform Movement: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure book set in the child labor reform movement
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Meet Samantha
First book in an American Girl series about a rich girl discovering child labor
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Non-fiction books
Kids on Strike!
Inspiring stories of real strikes for child labor reform
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Kids at Work: Lewis Hine and the Crusade Against Child Labor
Photobiography of Lewis Hine, whose photography galvanized the child labor reform movement
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Growing Up in Coal Country
Introduction to life in Pennsylvania coal towns during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
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Breaker Boys: How a Photograph Helped End Child Labor
Compelling introduction to child miners and how a photograph of them fueled the child labor reform movement
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