One powerful voice can effect powerful change.Polish Jewish immigrant Rose Schneiderman was 8 when shearrived in New York City with her parents in the late 19th century. Even as achild, she loved talking and arguing about ideas. At age 13, she left school tohelp support her family, finding employment in a hat factory. Inearly-20th-century New York, this meant buying her own sewing machine andenduring long hours in dirty, unsafe, and unfair working conditions. Havingkept silent for fear of losing her much-needed job, Rose finally spoke up uponlearning women earned less than men; organizing female co-workers to protest asa group was key, and some conditions improved, including wage increases. Thisvictory of sorts eventually led to others. In 1909, Rose led a massive strikefor factory workers’ rights. As time went on, more employees, employers, thenjournalists and politicians heeded this woman of small stature (only 4-foot-9)and big voice, and factory conditions continued to improve, particularly afterher rousing address at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. This is a quiet,respectful, stirring look at a courageous workers’ rights champion, written instraightforward, accessible prose. The simple illustrations are cast mostly in brownshades, reflecting the somberness of poverty and dire labor practices. (Thisbook was reviewed digitally.)An inspiring portrait of a woman committed to making adifference and whose influence is still felt to this day. (more about RoseSchneiderman, author's note) (Picture-book biography. 5-8) b--Kirkus ReviewsA diminutive red-headed immigrant to the United Stateswho began working full-time when she was thirteen years old: Rose Schneidermanmay seem an unlikely heroine or someone destined to improve the lives ofher fellow workers, but Rose certainly didn’t know that. Nor did she anticipatethat the sweatshop that employed her and many other women would be freezingin the winter, sweltering in the summer, and filthy all the time. Sanitationwas not a priority — rats were everywhere — and danger was a constant.Rose also noticed that women were routinely paid less than men. Her determinationto improve conditions for all workers led this young visionary ona path toward a remarkable career.The International Ladies Garment Workers Union, whichhelps employees receive benefits and equitable treatment, is one result ofRose’s activism. She is a role model for today’s young people.Although Rose Spoke Out is a picture bookaimed at kids who are five through eight, older children and adults will findthe story fascinating, too. The art evokes the era, enhancing the reader’soverall experience. The book concludes with historical photographs anda note about tikkun olam, or making the world a better place. --The Jewish Book Council
