ALA Booklist (Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2007)

Many children may have heard of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in 1911, which killed 146 workers and ultimately spurred workplace safety reforms. But they may not know about the strike that occurred 13 months before. Haddix brings both events to life through the alternating voices of three young girls. Bella, 15, is newly emigrated from Italy; fiery Yetta, who fled Russian pogroms, is fiercely devoted to the union effort; Jane is the daughter of a wealthy businessman. The girls meet on picket lines where fashionable women have gathered to support the garment workers' cause. The characters are stock, and the historical information at first feels forced. These problems ease, however, as the story progresses: the various voices become more distinct, and the depiction of the factory and living conditions becomes appallingly vivid. A framing device, though somewhat heavy-handed, adds suspense and will keep readers turning the pages to discover which of the girls survives. An excellent author's note provides additional historical information.

Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2008)

Haddix depicts the early-twentieth-century labor struggle through the eyes of three girls from very different backgrounds whose lives intersect at New York's infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. The story culminates in the tragic factory fire that claimed the lives of hundreds of workers. The action is compelling despite an absence of language barriers that stretches credulity. An author's note is appended.

Kirkus Reviews

Three young women from different backgrounds experience the New York City Triangle Shirtwaist strike and fire of 1911. The story is told in flashbacks, which recount the treatment of hands in sweatshops culminating in the deaths of so many. Two of the workers are Bella, a young immigrant from the poverty of Southern Italy whose family was starving, and Jewish Yetta, from Russia after a pogrom. The rich young protected Jane becomes involved with the other two when a friend mentions that college girls (Jane is not in college because her father does not believe in educating women) will be walking the strike line with the workers. Here she becomes acquainted with the sewing machine girls. Thus, the reader has three viewpoints of the times, conditions and events as they coalesce in a story told by an omniscient narrator. Because of its length, the book requires a reader who can stick with it. Author's note and list of works consulted give a fair summary of the Triangle fire and the condition of laborers, immigrants and life in the tenements. (Historical fiction. 12+)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Although it begins in a didactic tone, this historical novel about New York City's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and the catastrophic Factory fire hits its stride to offer a compelling message about labor, sacrifice and the price of freedom in America. Haddix (the Shadow Children series) follows three very different girls: naïve Bella from Italy, who becomes a strikebreaker; the feisty Yetta, a Jewish immigrant from Russia who spearheads the strikes; and the socially prominent Jane, raised to marry for status and prestige. The pace and interest pick up once the infamous 1910 strike begins and the girls' experiences collide. The author ably motivates the various characters, for example, Yetta repeatedly survives beatings and incarceration for her convictions; Bella joins the strike only after learning her family has died and her landlords have stolen her savings; and Jane follows college friends to the picket line but returns of her own accord. Several well-sketched supporting characters highlight the broader effect of the struggle, such as Jane's chauffeur, who cheers her participation. The portrayal of the fire, which killed 146 workers, and its legacy memorably drives home both the bravery of girls who stood up to the powerful factory owners and the highly personal cost of progress. Ages 12-up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Sept.)

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-This deftly crafted historical novel unfolds dramatically with an absorbing story and well-drawn characters who readily evoke empathy and compassion. Haddix has masterfully melded in-depth information about the history of immigration, the struggle for women's rights, the beginnings of the organized labor movement, and the horrific Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 within a narrative that will simultaneously engross and educate its readers. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Bella, an Italian immigrant teen; Yetta, a Russian Jewish immigrant; and Jane, the daughter of an upper-class American businessman. Yetta is opinionated and aware of how immigrants, especially women, are mistreated. She is outspoken and ready to work toward improving conditions. Bella is a new immigrant and easily taken advantage of. She only wants to earn money to send home so the rest of her family can join her in America. Though wealthy, Jane is influenced by college girls who are starting to work for women's rights. The three girls meet during the strike at the Triangle factory. Jane bravely leaves home when she learns that her father was involved in trying to break the strike. This absorbing and informative read is a wonderful companion to Mary Jane Auch's Ashes of Roses (Holt, 2002).-Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Voice of Youth Advocates

Bella and Yetta are young immigrants working at New York City's Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in the early 1900s. They must work long hours for little pay. Both are trying to save money to send back to their families in their native countries. Yetta, who is from Russia, starts a crusade to form a union to protest the unsafe factory conditions. Once the strike begins, the picketers are beaten, arrested, and endure the harsh winter conditions to fight for their cause. Jane, a wealthy young lady, gets involved in the strike and ends up alienating herself from her rich father, but becomes very close friends with Bella and Yetta. In 1911, a tragic fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory kills more than one hundred workers caused by a cigarette that gets in some scrap fabric. It is evident that Haddix has done an extensive amount of historical research for her novel. The images of the factory and its poor conditions are very detailed. Although the setting of the book takes place a long time ago, many situations are relevant to today's society. The characters are relatable and provide a good historic perspective for teens. Haddix also provides an extensive list of further readings on the topic that will be invaluable to students in their research.-Robyn Guedel.