Written by Melanie Crowder
Told in verse, Audacity is the story of a real life heroine- Clara Lemlich- who led the largest women’s strike in the history of the United States. Clara was born in Russia and forbidden to receive an education because of her Jewish faith and oppressive father. The family immigrates to the United States in the early 1900s where Clara finds work in the garment industry to support the family. The working conditions are deplorable and Clara begins her crusade to ease and change the working conditions of the oppressed women she is surrounded by. She wants to become educated and finds free English classes and discovers the public library which opens the world to her. Clara works to organize the women into a union to strike out against their work masters. Amid the constant beatings she receives from the picket line, her determination strengthens her to fight for justice.
A strong and beautifully written book. One woman can make a difference—even today. Clara is a true hero for each of us.
Review by Jennifer Merkley, Churchill Jr. High Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 7-12
Author Website: http://melaniecrowder.net/
Audacity
Written by Melanie Crowder
Philomel Books
389 pages
Release Date: January 8, 2015
