Radium Girls

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a sense of unfairness in the world or questioning why we have certain safety laws and worker protections. This true story follows a group of young women in the 1920s who were told that the radium paint they used for watch dials was safe, only to discover it was lethally toxic. Despite their failing health and the massive power of the corporations they worked for, these women chose to fight for the truth. It is a powerful exploration of justice, resilience, and the historical struggle for human rights. While the medical descriptions of their radiation poisoning are honest and occasionally intense, the focus remains on their incredible bravery. This book is ideal for middle schoolers ready to discuss how ordinary people can change the world by standing up for what is right.