Clara Lemlich, a Russian Jewish immigrant, escapes persecution in Russia and immigrate with her family to New York City. She is sure this new world will provide countless opportunities she was denied in the old world.
Forced to find work to support her family, Clara begins working in the garment industry. The conditions are atrocious. The women, and often children, are locked in when they arrive each day. They are allowed to use the filthy facilities only once a day. The air is filled with lint and fibers that make it difficult to breathe. The workers suffer physical and verbal abuse if they seem to be slacking in any way.
When Clara observes sexual abuse and fears for her own safety, she decides to speak up. She is fired immediately without getting the pay she is owed. Condemned by her parents for what they see as reckless behavior, Clara becomes determined to continue her education and eventually fight for the workers' right to unionize. Despite beatings and jail time, Clara works diligently to convince the men in the union that letting the women join will help their cause and win the battle against the evil bosses.
AUDACITY, written in verse, highlights the struggle of garment workers to earn a fair wage and work in safe conditions. Author Melanie Crowder, inspired by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Uprising, uses Clara's strong voice to educate readers on the beginnings of the labor union movement. AUDACITY is an excellent addition to library and classroom historical fiction collections.
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