Breaker Boys: How a Photograph Helped End Child Labor cover

Breaker Boys: How a Photograph Helped End Child Labor

Author: Burgan, Michael

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 7.1
Points 1.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 8355
Points per Word 0.00012
Page Count 64
Points per Page 0.015625

Description

This book explores and analyzes the historical context and significance of the iconic Lewis Hine photograph.

Quick Summary

Ever wonder how one photograph can shake the whole country? This book tells the true story behind Lewis Hine's iconic image of the breaker boys young kids working in coal mines and shows how that single shot helped end child labor. It mixes a fast-paced historical narrative with vivid, sometimes heartbreaking details, making the harsh realities of the early 1900s feel real without overwhelming younger readers. Perfect for kids who love history, social-justice topics, or photography, the short chapters and clear language also make it a great choice for reluctant readers. Parents will appreciate that the focus stays on the positive change the photograph sparked, giving kids hope rather than just gloom. If you enjoyed "Kids on Strike" (another nonfiction title about child labor), you'll find this a compelling, quick read that proves a picture really can change the world.