Introduction
Before September 11, 2001 the worse tragedy New York City had known was the job-related Triangle Fire of 1911. In this nonfiction work by noted historian Albert Marrin, readers will gain knowledge about the immigration and social issues leading up to the tragedy and the reforms for change it inspired that have become its legacy.The True Story
On March 25, 1911 a fire broke out in New York City’s Triangle Waist Company's factory that killed 146 people within a matter of minutes. As fire raged through the building, many of the trapped workers jumped to their death while bystanders watched in horrified amazement. Almost all of the victims were young women newly immigrated to America and of Jewish and Italian descent. How could this tragedy have been avoided?Historian Albert Marrin candidly brings to light the awful circumstances of the Triangle Fire and follows up with an in-depth historical review about the legacy of the tragedy. The Triangle Fire, as Marrin writes, is really a story about immigration and the people who came to America looking for a better life. Entwined with the story of immigration is the story of factory conditions.
Marrin does not shy away from the truth of early twentieth century working conditions, the treatment of immigrants, or the divisive line between the rich and the poor. While the author begins his story with the story of the Triangle Fire, he ends it with a discussion of its legacy and provides a historical timeline of countries who still rely on child labor and sweat shops.
Although many unions and social reforms resulted from the Triangle Fire and working conditions did improve, Marrin leaves the reader to believe there are still more changes to be made, especially in history classrooms. For example, school textbooks should include the names of the leaders of social reform, such as Frances Perkins, in addition to the names of kings and presidents.
The Author, Albert Marrin
Award-winning historical writer Albert Marrin is a confessed storyteller and has written more than forty books for young adults. A former junior high social studies teacher and college professor, Marrin enjoyed teaching but wanted to do something more. On his website he states, “I wanted to reach a larger audience, not as a scholar but as a storyteller. Actually, I wanted to connect what I knew as a teacher with how I felt as a storyteller. So I began to write history for younger readers. I tried to write in the most interesting way I could, all the while remaining true to the facts. It worked.” (Source: Albert Marrin’s official Web site)Marrin has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the 2008 National Humanities Medal and the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award. Flesh and Blood So Cheap was a finalist for the 2011 National Book Award for Children’s Literature.
Flesh and Blood So Cheap: My Recommendation
It’s human nature to be horrified and inspired by tragedy, and Albert Marrin’s profound book Flesh and Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and its Legacy does just that. Marrin’s easy to follow language, accompanied by thought provoking chapter quotes, detailed timelines and moving vintage photographs work together to make an indelible impression upon his readers. Parents looking for nonfiction books that clearly explain historical events and discuss their impact on social conditions will find this book to be invaluable.Marrin’s direct approach to working conditions in the early twentieth century, his focus on the individuals who worked hard for change, and his final words on current working conditions world-wide stirs up emotions. In addition, Marrin gives abundant historical background on the early waves of immigration to America and introduces readers to important geographic and political terminology. In addition, the book contains a comprehensive bibliography and detailed notes for further study. This nonfiction book is well-researched and highly informative through words and pictures. Although published for middle grade readers, I would recommend this outstanding read for ages 12-up. (Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. ISBN: 9780375868894)
For More About the Triangle Fire
Teens who want to know more about the fire and its aftermath may be interested in the following articles and images: The About.com Guide to Women's History, Jone Johnson Lewis, has written a series of articles about the fire and its aftermath, including her Quick Overview of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, Frances Perkins and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire and Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: What Happened from Start to Finish? The photos of the Triangle Fire and its aftermath, show the magnitude of the disaster, but they are also upsetting because they show many bodies.