Bobbin Girl, The

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a sense of unfairness at school or within a group, or when they are beginning to notice that the world is built on labor and systems that aren't always kind. It is a powerful tool for introducing the concept that standing up for what is right often requires a difficult personal choice and the bravery to join others in a common cause. Set in the 1830s, the story follows ten year old Rebecca, a bobbin girl in a Massachusetts textile mill. As wages are cut and working conditions worsen, Rebecca must decide whether to risk her livelihood to join the first industrial strike. This book handles themes of economic hardship and social justice with a grounded, realistic lens that respects a child's ability to weigh complex moral dilemmas. It is a sophisticated picture book that provides a perfect bridge for discussing history, ethics, and the power of a collective voice.