Reading Metrics
Description
Grace helps Arthur write a secret letter to the Child Labor Board about underage children working in Pownal at the textile mill. A few weeks later, a man with a camera shows up. It is the famous reformer Lewis Hine, undercover, collecting evidence.
Quick Summary
Set in a gritty New England mill town in the early 1900s, Counting on Grace follows a quick-witted girl named Grace and her friend Arthur as they hatch a daring plan to expose the underage children toiling in the factory. When a mysterious photographer shows up actually the famed reformer Lewis Hine Grace gets a chance to help him gather proof, turning a simple act of friendship into a quiet act of courage. The story mixes the everyday challenges of schoolwork, pranks, and small-town gossip with the larger, often harsh realities of the era, giving readers a feel for both the warmth of a community and the injustice it grapples with. It's a great pick for kids who love historical fiction that feels personal, or for those who enjoy stories where ordinary kids stand up for what's right, much like the protagonists in books such as The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Parents will appreciate the book's blend of humor and heartfelt moments, though there are a few scenes that hint at the tough conditions of the time, which can be a talking point about child labor history.