Factory Girl
Item #: | 007865 |
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ISBN: | 9781553376491 |
Grades: | 4-9 |
Product Description:
Emily Watson, a 12-year-old girl who had all but finished school, peered through a candy shop window. Her father had told the family he would send money every month, but lately, he hadn't come through. Now Emily, her mother, and her siblings are kicked out of their house to live in a filthy 2-room apartment. Because of the merciless rent collector, all able-bodied family members must work. Emily enters the shop, and asks about the help wanted sign. Frowning, the shop owner kicks her out of the shop, saying she was too young to work here, but referred her to a factory. Soon, what Emily thought would be a doable job turns wretched. She works 60 hours a week for only $4.00, with deductions for almost anything that might lose the boss a cent. The girls discriminate against her, her working conditions are dangerous, and her boss is heartless. Between the chapters of Emily's story are pages filled with facts about the sad plight of factory workers, their horrible neighborhoods, difficulties for immigrants, and other hardships of the time. A bittersweet ending concludes a story of poverty, friendship, and the sorrows of life as a factory worker. ~ Janine