Audacity

Reach for this book when your teenager expresses a deep frustration with social injustice or feels like their voice is too small to make a difference in the world. Audacity tells the stirring true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Jewish immigrant who fought against the grueling conditions of New York City sweatshops in the early 1900s. Through beautiful and accessible free verse, the story explores themes of grit, familial duty, and the courage required to stand up to powerful systems. It is a sophisticated yet readable choice for teens aged 12 and up who are navigating their own sense of agency. Parents will appreciate how it balances the harsh realities of history with a powerful, empowering message about the impact one person can have when they refuse to stay silent.