Hear My Sorrow: The Diary of Angela Denoto, a Shirtwaist Worker, New York City 1909

Reach for this book if your child is beginning to notice social inequities or expresses frustration with things being unfair. This diary-style novel follows Angela, a young Italian immigrant forced to leave school to work in a garment factory. It is a powerful tool for exploring the history of labor rights, the realities of the immigrant experience, and the courage required to stand up for one's community. While it addresses the hardships of poverty and the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, it emphasizes resilience and the power of finding one's voice. It is most appropriate for children aged 10 and up who are ready for a realistic look at historical hardships and systemic change.