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Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers
A captivating biography that tells the inspiring story of Frances Perkins, the first woman to hold a Cabinet-level position in the United States. As Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins played a key role in shaping American labor policy during the New Deal era, fighting for workers' rights, social justice, and economic security. From her early life in Maine to her historic tenure in Washington, D.C., this book traces Perkins' remarkable journey and highlights her enduring legacy as a trailblazing woman in American politics. Written in an engaging and accessible style even for young readers, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, women's history, and the fight for social justice.
220 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 15, 2024
The more you know, the more you realize what you don't know.
Wow. I thought I had a pretty good grasp of who Frances Perkins was and her vital role in FDR's term. I was wrong. Well, not about what I knew of her from the Franklin Roosevelt presidential term. I had the basics of that, at least. I just didn't know the backstory, not only of all she accomplished there but how she got there in the first place. This book does a marvelous job of not only filling up that void in my knowledge bank but reminding me what the times she lived and diligently worked through for progress were really like. Born in 1880, in Boston, she grew up during a time when women's roles were trivialized and often discounted.
I won't detail her work, it's too vast and one bit builds on another, so trying to summarize it would not give it the due justice it deserves. Even her family members served a purpose in preparing her for dealing with frustration and outrage. Her younger sister threw uncontrolled temper tantrums and her grandmother. who urged her to develop her voice and learn to project, were all part of what made up Frances Perkins. All skills she utilized against an often male dominated world as she worked. Her parents promoted true discussions at meals, respecting and encouraging her to speak and help others less fortunate. She attended college at a time most women were usually encouraged to marry and have children. She became a fan of Theodore Roosevelt. Her parents were Republicans, btw. She later became a Democrat because she felt that party seemed more committed to helping resolve the problems of the poor and disadvantaged. Her first impression of the pre-polio FDR was that he was arrogant, however. She witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire but it only served to make her more determined to not just help but convince those in power to help. And, I've barely skimmed the surface of her life experiences and how they formed her lifelong determination to do all she could to help others. I could go on for pages.
I'll note that all this happened long before she worked with/for FDR, a period also covered in depth in the book. Seriously, her resume is long with lots of schooling, a rarity for women of that time, and her courage impressive. I will note, since I didn't know, she did marry and also dealt with a husband who eventually seemed to suffer from what we'd call bipolar disease....all while still working for all mankind. She suffered a miscarriage and had a child die at birth basically before having a daughter who survived. The stories shared are interesting and, quite frankly, often made me fume at the injustices. What a legacy this women left, not just for women but for everyone. I am so glad I got to know her better via this book and thank #NetGalley and #IndependentPublishersGroup for making this book available to me. It was an eye-opener and all interested in where we came from and where we want to go should give it a read. I doubt you'll come away untouched. One can only wonder how she'd deal with modern political landscapes.
Wow. I thought I had a pretty good grasp of who Frances Perkins was and her vital role in FDR's term. I was wrong. Well, not about what I knew of her from the Franklin Roosevelt presidential term. I had the basics of that, at least. I just didn't know the backstory, not only of all she accomplished there but how she got there in the first place. This book does a marvelous job of not only filling up that void in my knowledge bank but reminding me what the times she lived and diligently worked through for progress were really like. Born in 1880, in Boston, she grew up during a time when women's roles were trivialized and often discounted.
I won't detail her work, it's too vast and one bit builds on another, so trying to summarize it would not give it the due justice it deserves. Even her family members served a purpose in preparing her for dealing with frustration and outrage. Her younger sister threw uncontrolled temper tantrums and her grandmother. who urged her to develop her voice and learn to project, were all part of what made up Frances Perkins. All skills she utilized against an often male dominated world as she worked. Her parents promoted true discussions at meals, respecting and encouraging her to speak and help others less fortunate. She attended college at a time most women were usually encouraged to marry and have children. She became a fan of Theodore Roosevelt. Her parents were Republicans, btw. She later became a Democrat because she felt that party seemed more committed to helping resolve the problems of the poor and disadvantaged. Her first impression of the pre-polio FDR was that he was arrogant, however. She witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire but it only served to make her more determined to not just help but convince those in power to help. And, I've barely skimmed the surface of her life experiences and how they formed her lifelong determination to do all she could to help others. I could go on for pages.
I'll note that all this happened long before she worked with/for FDR, a period also covered in depth in the book. Seriously, her resume is long with lots of schooling, a rarity for women of that time, and her courage impressive. I will note, since I didn't know, she did marry and also dealt with a husband who eventually seemed to suffer from what we'd call bipolar disease....all while still working for all mankind. She suffered a miscarriage and had a child die at birth basically before having a daughter who survived. The stories shared are interesting and, quite frankly, often made me fume at the injustices. What a legacy this women left, not just for women but for everyone. I am so glad I got to know her better via this book and thank #NetGalley and #IndependentPublishersGroup for making this book available to me. It was an eye-opener and all interested in where we came from and where we want to go should give it a read. I doubt you'll come away untouched. One can only wonder how she'd deal with modern political landscapes.
June 19, 2024
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Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers by Ruth Cashin Monsell, is an engaging and easy-to-read biography of Frances Perkins. She was the first woman to hold a Cabinet-level position in the United States, serving as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This book tells her story from her early days in Maine to her influential role in Washington, D.C.
Perkins is best known for her work during the New Deal era, where she fought for workers’ rights, social justice, and economic security. The book explains how she was deeply affected by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which inspired her lifelong dedication to improving labor conditions. Perkins started her career working in settlement houses in New York City, helping workers and pushing for safety regulations. She later became the first woman on the New York State Industrial Commission, where she made significant changes to labor laws.
The biography is filled with interesting stories about Perkins’ life and achievements. One notable event covered is the San Francisco longshoremen strike, where Perkins managed to prevent violence by directly communicating with President Roosevelt. This and other stories show how she handled tough situations and stood up for what she believed in.
Monsell’s writing is clear and straightforward, making the book suitable for young readers and adults alike. It avoids complicated language and instead tells Perkins’ story in a way that feels like a conversation. The book is also packed with photos and illustrations, which help bring Perkins’ story to life and make it even more engaging.
Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers is a great read for anyone interested in American history, women’s history, and the fight for social justice. It highlights the remarkable contributions of a woman who played a key role in shaping the labor policies that protect workers today.
What’s even more promising about this biography is that Perkins’ own grandson approved and endorsed Ruth Monsell’s work, which offers an extra layer of credibility.
Review copy provided by Independent Publishers Group @ NetGalley
Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers by Ruth Cashin Monsell, is an engaging and easy-to-read biography of Frances Perkins. She was the first woman to hold a Cabinet-level position in the United States, serving as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This book tells her story from her early days in Maine to her influential role in Washington, D.C.
Perkins is best known for her work during the New Deal era, where she fought for workers’ rights, social justice, and economic security. The book explains how she was deeply affected by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which inspired her lifelong dedication to improving labor conditions. Perkins started her career working in settlement houses in New York City, helping workers and pushing for safety regulations. She later became the first woman on the New York State Industrial Commission, where she made significant changes to labor laws.
The biography is filled with interesting stories about Perkins’ life and achievements. One notable event covered is the San Francisco longshoremen strike, where Perkins managed to prevent violence by directly communicating with President Roosevelt. This and other stories show how she handled tough situations and stood up for what she believed in.
Monsell’s writing is clear and straightforward, making the book suitable for young readers and adults alike. It avoids complicated language and instead tells Perkins’ story in a way that feels like a conversation. The book is also packed with photos and illustrations, which help bring Perkins’ story to life and make it even more engaging.
Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers is a great read for anyone interested in American history, women’s history, and the fight for social justice. It highlights the remarkable contributions of a woman who played a key role in shaping the labor policies that protect workers today.
What’s even more promising about this biography is that Perkins’ own grandson approved and endorsed Ruth Monsell’s work, which offers an extra layer of credibility.
Review copy provided by Independent Publishers Group @ NetGalley
May 25, 2024
Frances Perkins
Champion of American Workers
by Ruth Cashin Monsell
Pub DateApr 16 2024
Independent Publishers Group |HistriaYA
Biographies & Memoirs| History| Teens & YA
Netgalley and Independent Publishing sent me a copy of Frances Perkins to Nettle
In this captivating Young Adult Biography Young Adult readers will learn about Frances biography
Frances Perkins was the first woman in the United States to hold a Cabinet-level position. In his role as Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins fought for workers' rights, social justice, and economic security during the New Deal era. In this book, Perkins' remarkable journey as a trailblazing woman in American politics is traced from her early life in Maine to her historic tenure in Washington, DC.
For anyone interested in American history, women's history, and the fight for social justice, this book is a must-read.
I give Frances Perkins five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Champion of American Workers
by Ruth Cashin Monsell
Pub DateApr 16 2024
Independent Publishers Group |HistriaYA
Biographies & Memoirs| History| Teens & YA
Netgalley and Independent Publishing sent me a copy of Frances Perkins to Nettle
In this captivating Young Adult Biography Young Adult readers will learn about Frances biography
Frances Perkins was the first woman in the United States to hold a Cabinet-level position. In his role as Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins fought for workers' rights, social justice, and economic security during the New Deal era. In this book, Perkins' remarkable journey as a trailblazing woman in American politics is traced from her early life in Maine to her historic tenure in Washington, DC.
For anyone interested in American history, women's history, and the fight for social justice, this book is a must-read.
I give Frances Perkins five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Read
May 27, 2024I learned so much about Frances Perkins, who was definitely an unsung hero(ine). There is so much that she did to help the ordinary person for which she has never really been credited - being of a modest nature -- until Ruth Cashin's book. The writing style was engaging and entertaining, while also being instructive. I heartily recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews