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STEADFAST: Frances Perkins, Champion of Workers' Rights
Frances Perkins gasped in disbelief when she visited a factory and saw the horrific conditions that workers endured. Moved by injustice, she felt compelled to help, setting her on a path of social work.
But, when Frances witnessed New York City’s Triangle Factory fire in 1911, her desire to assist the American worker transformed into a lifelong mission. Determined to fix the problems that led to the tragedy, Frances worked to change a broken system at a time when women were discouraged from speaking up, let alone having careers. She saw the potential for radical workplace reform, if she could persuade her male colleagues to listen to her. Rather than shrink from challenges, she followed her beloved grandmother’s advice to embrace life’s opportunities and walk through open doors. In truth, Frances kicked them open along the way.
With courage and integrity, she became the first woman to serve in a U.S. Presidential Cabinet, creating an enduring legacy. As Secretary of Labor, she was the force behind the New Deal and Social Security, programs that protect American workers to this day. This is the inspiring story of a heroic trailblazer. She’s the most important woman you likely haven’t heard of – yet.
But, when Frances witnessed New York City’s Triangle Factory fire in 1911, her desire to assist the American worker transformed into a lifelong mission. Determined to fix the problems that led to the tragedy, Frances worked to change a broken system at a time when women were discouraged from speaking up, let alone having careers. She saw the potential for radical workplace reform, if she could persuade her male colleagues to listen to her. Rather than shrink from challenges, she followed her beloved grandmother’s advice to embrace life’s opportunities and walk through open doors. In truth, Frances kicked them open along the way.
With courage and integrity, she became the first woman to serve in a U.S. Presidential Cabinet, creating an enduring legacy. As Secretary of Labor, she was the force behind the New Deal and Social Security, programs that protect American workers to this day. This is the inspiring story of a heroic trailblazer. She’s the most important woman you likely haven’t heard of – yet.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2020
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 16, 2020
An Important Addition to Woman's Rights Books for All Children
Children's Choice award winner Jennifer Merz is the author, and cut-paper and collage artist, of the story of Frances Perkins. Children will be inspired to learn how the focused energy of a single life can bring about dramatic change that uplifts us all. This strong, powerful woman was the first woman to serve in a US Presidential Cabinet. She was the force behind the New Deal and Social Security.
I enjoyed learning Frances' story from STEADFAST, but the art drew me in completely. The image of many hands at the rows of sewing machines allows the reader to feel how closely the women had to work together and the pressures to reach the production quotas placed upon them. The artwork of the Triangle Factory fire is exquisite. The loss of life was devastating, but Jenn Merz creates a powerful, yet sensitive image of the event, accessible to all children. A bold cut paper presentation of the Statue of Liberty contrasts the life promised to young women and men arriving in the United States, against the reality they lived.
STEADFAST: Frances Perkins Champion of Worker's Rights is filled with information, both historical and woman's rights specifically. This book can be used for classroom instruction, yet is discerning enough for a child to read with a parent. Jennifer Merz's book offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss the meaning of 'steadfast', and how it can be applied to each person's life. I highly recommend this book!
Children's Choice award winner Jennifer Merz is the author, and cut-paper and collage artist, of the story of Frances Perkins. Children will be inspired to learn how the focused energy of a single life can bring about dramatic change that uplifts us all. This strong, powerful woman was the first woman to serve in a US Presidential Cabinet. She was the force behind the New Deal and Social Security.
I enjoyed learning Frances' story from STEADFAST, but the art drew me in completely. The image of many hands at the rows of sewing machines allows the reader to feel how closely the women had to work together and the pressures to reach the production quotas placed upon them. The artwork of the Triangle Factory fire is exquisite. The loss of life was devastating, but Jenn Merz creates a powerful, yet sensitive image of the event, accessible to all children. A bold cut paper presentation of the Statue of Liberty contrasts the life promised to young women and men arriving in the United States, against the reality they lived.
STEADFAST: Frances Perkins Champion of Worker's Rights is filled with information, both historical and woman's rights specifically. This book can be used for classroom instruction, yet is discerning enough for a child to read with a parent. Jennifer Merz's book offers a wonderful opportunity to discuss the meaning of 'steadfast', and how it can be applied to each person's life. I highly recommend this book!
September 27, 2020
This is a compelling short history of all the accomplishments of Frances Perkins that jams a lot of information into a picture book. The images are made from cut paper and fabric and also incorporate photographs from the time period. Frances is an important role model for both boys and girls to learn about--she helped create social security, work safety reforms, and The New Deal.
This book is suitable for older children who still enjoy picture books but want more detailed information. The factory fire is handled well and in an age-appropriate manner. The book includes a helpful timeline of Frances's life and accomplishments and a bibliography for learning more about her. It would make a great addition to a home or school library as an example of a woman who made a large impact on American workers' rights.
Full disclosure: I received this book in a giveaway
This book is suitable for older children who still enjoy picture books but want more detailed information. The factory fire is handled well and in an age-appropriate manner. The book includes a helpful timeline of Frances's life and accomplishments and a bibliography for learning more about her. It would make a great addition to a home or school library as an example of a woman who made a large impact on American workers' rights.
Full disclosure: I received this book in a giveaway
November 20, 2023
Jennifer J. Merz’s Steadfast: Frances Perkins Champion of Workers’ Rights explores Perkins’s childhood, her career in social work, and her policy achievements as Labor Secretary. the book emphasizes Perkins’s work with immigrant communities and the life-changing experience of witnessing the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, on which Steadfast spends twelve of its thirty-eight pages. “‘This is not the America of dreams!’ fumed Frances,” Merz writes, situating Perkins in a patriotic progress narrative, likely to inspire young readers.
November 4, 2020
The fascinating and inspiring story of Frances Perkins who worked as an advocate for worker's rights and became the first woman to serve in a U.S Presidential Cabinet. Packed with information and beautifully illustrated with cut-paper illustrations, this new picture book is a brilliant conversation starter around women's rights and the important impact trailblazing women like Frances have made by standing up for what they believe in.
September 26, 2020
Published by Clarion and Dutton and winner of the Children’s Choice Award, Jennifer J. Merz is back with her third picture book, an engaging nonfiction biography on American trailblazer Frances Perkins. With stunning, cut-paper illustrations, STEADFAST: Frances Perkins, Champion of Workers’ Rights will delight and inform children and parents alike.
Jenn received her MFA in Illustration from F.I.T. She holds a BA in Studio Art and Elementary Ed, and an MA in Art Ed. She enjoys giving author presentations and is a member of SCBWI, CBIG, and the Author’s Guild.
A longtime resident of Allendale, NJ, Jenn divides her time between the NY-Metro area and the Maine coast. She resides with her husband and their pug. They are the proud parents of two grown daughters who, like Frances Perkins, bristle at injustice and walk confidently through open doors. She invites you to learn more and get your own signed copy at www.jennifermerz.com.
Watch the trailer here! https://youtu.be/OgxrSbsiqIY
Jenn received her MFA in Illustration from F.I.T. She holds a BA in Studio Art and Elementary Ed, and an MA in Art Ed. She enjoys giving author presentations and is a member of SCBWI, CBIG, and the Author’s Guild.
A longtime resident of Allendale, NJ, Jenn divides her time between the NY-Metro area and the Maine coast. She resides with her husband and their pug. They are the proud parents of two grown daughters who, like Frances Perkins, bristle at injustice and walk confidently through open doors. She invites you to learn more and get your own signed copy at www.jennifermerz.com.
Watch the trailer here! https://youtu.be/OgxrSbsiqIY
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews