The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

by Elaine Landau

Explains what sweatshops are and provides details of the fire that destroyed a New York City company, which later led to important fire safety laws.

Genres: Nonfiction

48 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Julia Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book details the events of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire that killed 146 young workers. It explains the conditions the young women labored in, the way they were taken advantage of, safety issues within the factory, and the ways workers tried to escape. Many failed, and this, too, is chronicled. There are a number of photos from the era that are sad and a little troubling, though none are particularly clear. It even includes an account of a mother finding her daughter among the dead, then attempting to throw herself in the river out of despair. It details the aftermath of the fire, and gives a short rundown of how this tragedy led to better working conditions for others.

I would be uncomfortable offering this as a standalone reading. However, I feel like it would be an excellent companion reading for a unit involving Margaret Peterson Haddix's historical fiction account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory strike and fire, Uprising.

[Jen]

(2005) Part of the Cornerstones of Freedom series, this book looks at the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911. The book concisely chronicles the immigrant laborers that worked at the factory, the abhorrent working conditions, accounts from the day of the fire, and the aftermath of the trial. This book does a good job of simplifying and explaining this tragic event in American history.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this for my class in which I teach Social Studies. The book covers factual information on the fire and its aftermath. The book is easy to read and understand and covers the important information. It is good for my students and I can teach the information more easily and in depth.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good nonfiction book for upper elementary children.