On Our Way to Oyster Bay: Mother Jones and Her March for Children's Rights

by Monica Kulling, Felicita Sala

Overview

A moving, fictionalized account of a march that raised awareness about child labor. Eight-year-old Aidan and his friend Gussie have joined the picket line at the cotton mill to demand the chance to go to school instead of work. But when famous labor reformer Mother Jones arrives, she has an even bolder idea than a strike. She wants to lead them on a march from Pennsylvania all the way to President Theodore Roosevelt’s summer home in Oyster Bay, New York! This inspiring tale is a tribute to the extraordinary spirit of Mother Jones, and a testament to the power of standing up for what’s right, no matter how old you are.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771387521
Publisher:	Kids Can Press
Publication date:	09/06/2016
Series:	CitizenKid Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	77 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

;Felicita is a self-taught illustrator. She studied philosophy and languages in Australia, but then decided she wanted to create pictures. Since moving to Italy, she has worked on a few stop-motion animation projects along with her husband, Gianluca, but her passion lies in making picture books. She gets inspired by nature, children, mid-century illustration, folk art and architecture. She lives in Rome with Gianluca and their daughter, Nina.

Editorial Reviews

As a classroom read-aloud, combined with discussion, this can be used as an overview of social justice and activism.—School Library Journal

... this approachable title makes for a good entry point to a unique historical event.—Booklist

Introducing the story of someone fighting for social justice in this non-violent way will kindle awareness and inspire discussion.—CM Magazine

... inspiring and beautifully illustrated ...—Canadian Children's Book News

From the Publisher

07/01/2016
Gr 1–3—Mary Harris "Mother" Jones worked relentlessly as an advocate and organizer for workers' rights. Mother Jones sought to highlight the plight of working children by organizing a march from Philadelphia to New York City and then to President Theodore Roosevelt's summer home in Oyster Bay, Long Island. This work recounts the experiences of two young fictional child workers, Aidan and Gussie, during that march. Camping out in the woods, riding a train, and visiting Coney Island, Aidan and Gussie learn lessons in generosity and activism as they meet thousands of supportive people along the way. Finally arriving at Oyster Bay, with her few ragtag crusaders, Mother Jones was turned away and never met with the president. However, the march raised national awareness, and within a few years the first child labor laws were passed. As an introduction to the idea of activism and the concept of the individual's ability to make a difference, this is a suitable work for students. Color illustrations highlight the march from Aiden and Gussie's viewpoint but show almost exclusively white children and adults. Information is included about Mother Jones and her crusade as well as facts about current problems of child labor throughout the world, with a few suggestions for possible actions that may be undertaken by readers. VERDICT As a classroom read-aloud, combined with discussion, this can be used as an overview of social justice and activism.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

School Library Journal

2016-06-01
In 1903, 8-year-old millworkers Aiden and Gussie carry pickets demanding an end to child labor practices.To provide needed income for their families, young children toiled 12 hours a day, six days a week in workplaces that were dangerous and demoralizing. Without access to education, they had no chance for betterment. In Kulling's tale of protest, when union activist Mother Jones plans a 100-mile march all the way to Oyster Bay, New York, to confront President Theodore Roosevelt, Aiden and Gussie go with her. The march is arduous, with long days of walking, campouts, train rides, some recreation, and speeches that elicit moral and practical support along the way. In the end, the president refuses to meet them, and they must return home. The tale is based on true events and people; it is told here from fictional Aiden's point of view, wide-eyed and admiring of Mother Jones, enjoying the adventure, and ever hopeful. Kulling follows the path of the march, quoting Jones extensively, but even Aiden and Gussie's presence doesn't really bring the events to life. The main characters are white, though there are some brown-skinned people depicted in the crowd scenes. Sala's illustrations are much too bright and cheerful, with even the cotton mill appearing clean and airy. Interesting but never compelling or heartfelt. (author's note, websites) (Picture book. 7-9)

Kirkus Reviews