Counting on Grace
Counting on Grace by Elizabeth Winthrop is a poignant narrative set in 1910 Pownal, Vermont, published by Wendy Lamb Books in 2006. This edition, presented in English, spans 232 pages and explores the challenges faced by twelve-year-old Grace and her best friend Arthur as they leave school to work in a mill. Grace’s desire to support her mother, a skilled worker, is complicated by her left-handedness, which hinders her ability to do her job effectively. The story unfolds as they take a stand against child labor by writing to the Child Labor Board, leading to a significant encounter with reformer Lewis Hine.
Readers will find a rich exploration of social themes, particularly the realities of child labor and friendship during the early 20th century in the United States. Grace’s journey is marked by her struggles and aspirations, as well as the impact of her actions on her family’s future. The narrative delves into historical contexts while highlighting the personal growth of its characters. This edition invites readers to reflect on the social issues of the time and the importance of advocacy, making it a thoughtful addition to discussions on juvenile nonfiction and historical fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
1910. Pownal, Vermont. At 12, Grace and her best friend Arthur must leave school and go to work as a “doffers” on their mothers’ looms in the mill. Grace’s mother is the best worker, fast and powerful, and Grace desperately wants to help her. But she’s left handed and doffing is a right-handed job. Grace’s every mistake costs her mother, and the family. She only feels capable on Sundays, when she and Arthur receive special lessons from their teacher. Together they write a secret letter to the Child Labor Board about underage children working in Pownal. A few weeks later a man with a camera shows up. It is the famous reformer Lewis Hine, undercover, collecting evidence for the Child Labor Board. Grace’s brief acquaintance with Hine and the photos he takes of her are a gift that changes her sense of herself, her future, and her family’s future.
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