Young People’s Pavilion: National Book Award Finalist — FLESH and BLOOD so CHEAP

Recently announced as a National Book Award Finalist in the Young People’s Literature category, FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin takes readers on a compelling journey into one of the most pivotal events in American history! It’s always the right time to get kids excited about history and Marrin’s eloquent narrative does just that with an in-depth look at this tragic moment, as well as its effect on our society today. Supplemented with black-and-white images, the text will captivate middle graders and adults alike.

The definitive book on one of America’s key industrial turning points Flesh and Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin:

“[A] powerful chronicle . . . Marrin’s message that protecting human dignity is our shared responsibility is vitally resonant.” -Publishers Weekly, starred

“Sure to spark discussion, this standout title concludes with source notes and suggested-reading lists that will lead students to further resources for research and debate.” -Booklist, starred

From preeminent nonfiction writer for young people Albert Marrin comes FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers / On sale February 8, 2011 / $19.99 / Ages 10 up)-a gripping, nuanced, and poignant account of one of America’s defining tragedies. Upon the 100th anniversary of this pivotal event, award-winning Albert Marrin places the fire in the broader context of immigration, women’s rights, Tammany Hall, and the rise of unions in the early 20th century. With its dramatic telling that reads like fiction and compelling black-and-white images throughout, FLESH AND BLOOD SO CHEAP: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy is an engrossing and informative read for middle graders and adults alike.

On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City burst into flames. The factory was crowded, and the doors were locked to ensure workers stay inside. One hundred forty-six people-mostly women-perished. It was one of the most lethal workplace fires in American history until September 11, 2001.

But the story of the fire is not the story of one accidental moment in time. It is a story of immigration and hard work to make it in a new country, as Italians and Jews and others traveled to America to find a better life. It is the story of poor working conditions and greedy bosses, as garment workers discovered the endless sacrifices required to make ends meet. It is the story of unimaginable, but avoidable, disaster. And it is the story of the unquenchable pride and activism of fearless immigrants and women who stood up to business, got America on their side, and finally changed working conditions for our entire nation, initiating radical new laws we take for granted today.

Albert Marrin is the author of numerous highly regarded nonfiction books for young readers, including Years of Dust; The Great Adventure: Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Modern America; and Sitting Bull and His World. His many honors include the Washington Children’s Book Guild and Washington Post Non-Fiction Award for an “outstanding lifetime contribution that has enriched the field of children’s literature,” the James Madison Book Award for lifetime achievement, and the National Endowment for Humanities Medal.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers is an imprint of the Random House Children’s Books division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG. Visit them on the Web at www.randomhouse.com/kids.


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