Rose spoke out The story of Rose Schneiderman

Gr 2--4--"Rose's mother said she had a big mouth. Rose didn't think so. She thought she had a big voice." A Jewish immigrant from Poland, Rose Schneiderman loved school but left after her father's death to help support her family. She worked 14-hour days in a hat factory; appalled by working conditions, Schneiderman used her big voice and encouraged her coworkers to speak up. This led to some changes, but not enough. Schneiderman helped organize a strike in the Garment District in 1909, which resulted in improved conditions at some factories. The Triangle Shirtwaist fire in 1911 horrified and inspired her. Schneiderman spoke out to bigger audiences to improve working conditions. Abielle's illustrations are in muted tones with minimal details. Schneiderman's red hair stands out and her facial expressions show her frustration and determination. The "More About Rose Schneiderman" section includes a photo and further information on her career in unions and government. Her famous quote "The worker must have bread, but she must have roses, too" is mentioned and part of the quote appears on the back of the book. This a nice introduction to Schneiderman, but her achievements feel slighted by focusing on only one part of her life. VERDICT This is a fraction of the story of an important labor movement activist, but it's still a good first purchase.--Tamara Saarinen

One powerful voice can effect powerful change. Polish Jewish immigrant Rose Schneiderman was 8 when she arrived in New York City with her parents in the late 19th century. Even as a child, she loved talking and arguing about ideas. At age 13, she left school to help support her family, finding employment in a hat factory. In early-20th-century New York, this meant buying her own sewing machine and enduring long hours in dirty, unsafe, and unfair working conditions. Having kept silent for fear of losing her much-needed job, Rose finally spoke up upon learning women earned less than men; organizing female co-workers to protest as a group was key, and some conditions improved, including wage increases. This victory of sorts eventually led to others. In 1909, Rose led a massive strike for factory workers' rights. As time went on, more employees, employers, then journalists and politicians heeded this woman of small stature (only 4-foot-9) and big voice, and factory conditions continued to improve, particularly after her rousing address at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. This is a quiet, respectful, stirring look at a courageous workers' rights champion, written in straightforward, accessible prose. The simple illustrations are cast mostly in brown shades, reflecting the somberness of poverty and dire labor practices. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An inspiring portrait of a woman committed to making a difference and whose influence is still felt to this day. (more about Rose Schneiderman, author's note) (Picture-book biography. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.