Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Maker's Strike of 1909

This iconographic-animated adaptation of the 2013 picture book written by Michelle Markel and illustrated by Melissa Sweet tells the story of Clara Lemlich, a Ukrainian-born young woman who emigrated to America and ultimately led the 1909 so-called “Uprising of the 20,000,” a general strike by women working in garment-making sweatshops. Cheerfully drawn (despite the often grim subject matter), Brave Girl traces Clara's transformation from being a poorly-paid seamstress—literally locked inside a factory from dawn till dusk—to becoming an outspoken organizer of laborers in the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, which was dominated by men. Along the way, Clara endured beatings, arrests, broken bones, starvation, and more. Narrated by Lesa Lockford, this is a fine introduction to a compelling historical figure, offering a stirring example of what one person can do when inspired. Recommended. Aud: E, P. (T. Keogh)