Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson follows the 1912 "Bread and Roses" strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts, through the eyes of two children, Rosa Serruti and Jake Beale. As they navigate the tumultuous strike, which demands fair wages for mill workers, Rosa struggles with her divided home life, while Jake flees from abuse and poverty. Their journey takes them to Vermont, where they bond and experience contrasting views on labor revolt and social justice. The book includes content related to child labor, severe poverty, and domestic violence.

Katherine Paterson's Bread and Roses, Too offers a compelling depiction of child labor struggles during the 1912 Lawrence textile strike. Reviewers praise its historical accuracy, engaging characters, and emotional depth. However, some critics find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is regarded as an enlightening and moving read for young adults.

Fans of historical fiction with strong, young protagonists will enjoy Katherine Paterson's Bread and Roses, Too. Similar to Lyddie by the same author, it appeals to readers captivated by labor movements, resilience, and early 20th-century American life, akin to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Informative / Inspirational / Emotional / Hopeful / Challenging

- Bread and Roses, Too explores the historical backdrop of the 1912 Lawrence textile strike, also known as the Bread and Roses strike, which was a pivotal event in American labor history.
- Katherine Paterson, the author, is celebrated for her ability to interweave historical events into her narrative, earning numerous awards for her children's literature, including two Newbery Medals.
- The book title, Bread and Roses, Too, is inspired by the slogan of the 1912 strike, which emphasized the workers' demand for not only fair wages ("bread") but also for dignity and fair conditions ("roses").

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