Reviewed by Chris Eboch
Review Source: New York Journal of Books
Book Author: George Ella Lyon
Which Side Are You On? tells a slice of labor union history. In 1931 miners in Harlan County, Kentucky, went on strike for better pay, safer working conditions, and better healthcare. The company retaliated by hiring thugs to attack organizers like miner Sam Reese.
When this story starts, Sam’s seven children are hiding under the bed—hiding from bullets. Oldest daughter Omie narrates the story from under the bed. Pa is in hiding, leaving the children home with their mother, Florence. In the midst of flying bullets, she finds a pencil, takes the calendar from the wall for paper, and starts to write a song. And so “Which Side Are You On?” was born. Continue reading.
Which Side Are You On? by George Ella Lyon
Published by Cinco Puntos Press on 2018-02
Genres: Labor, Music
Pages: 40
Reading Level: Grades 1-2
ISBN: 9781941026588
Review Source: New York Journal of Books
Publisher's Synopsis: "The story is a good and important one, and it is well told for an elementary-school audience. . . . Cardinale's folksy, woodcut-style paintings include several memorable images."--New York Times
"Cardinale's digitally colored scratchboard art is dynamic. . . . Lyon has given today's readers a stirring story."--Kirkus Reviews
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