She Persisted: Clara Lemlich
📘 About This Book
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Clara Lemlich! In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Deborah Heiligman, readers learn about the amazing life of Clara Lemlich--and how she persisted. Clara Lemlich immigrated to New York to escape danger in Ukraine, where she was born. She started working in clothing factories on the Lower East Side, only to realize that workers were being treated unfairly. So she stood up for the rights of workers, especially girls and women--and she won, changing the way factory workers were treated in America forever! Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Clara Lemlich's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Nellie Bly, Sonia Sotomayor, and more! Praise for She Persisted: Clara Lemlich: "Intentionally and successfully inspiring." --Kirkus Reviews "An important addition to the biography section of any library." --School Library Journal
📖 Summary
She Persisted: Clara Lemlich, written by award-winning author Deborah Heiligman as part of the chapter book series inspired by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, tells the inspiring true story of a remarkable woman who fought tirelessly for justice and workers' rights. Spanning 81 pages and published in 2021, this juvenile nonfiction biography introduces young readers to the life of Clara Lemlich, an immigrant who arrived in the United States to escape the dangers she faced in her birthplace of Ukraine. Settling in New York City, Clara found work in the grueling clothing factories of the Lower East Side. As she experienced firsthand the harsh and unfair conditions imposed on laborers, she quickly realized that something had to change. Rather than accepting the mistreatment as just the way things were, Clara chose to speak out. She dedicated herself to standing up for the rights of workers, placing a special focus on the young girls and women who labored alongside her in the sweatshops. Through immense courage, strategic organizing, and unwavering determination, Clara persisted against heavy odds. Her efforts culminated in monumental labor victories that fundamentally transformed how factory workers were treated in America forever. Complete with an introductory note from Chelsea Clinton and engaging black-and-white illustrations, this accessible chapter book serves as both a history lesson and an empowering call to action for the next generation. It demonstrates how a single individual can spark massive social change by refusing to stay silent in the face of injustice, making it a compelling read for children eager to learn about history and social activism.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Accessible and engaging chapter book format designed for young readers
Inspiring real-life role model who championed women and workers
Features helpful black-and-white illustrations that enhance the reading experience
Includes an introductory note from Chelsea Clinton
⚠️ Cons
Short length may leave older readers wanting more historical depth
Focuses on a specific historical figure without exploring the broader global context of the era
❓ FAQ
Who wrote She Persisted: Clara Lemlich? +
The book was written by award-winning author Deborah Heiligman.
What is the book about? +
It is a chapter book biography about Clara Lemlich, an immigrant who fought for fair treatment and workers' rights in New York clothing factories.
How many pages does the book have? +
The book is 81 pages long.
What series is this book a part of? +
It is part of the She Persisted chapter book series, inspired by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2021.
