"The Streetcar Riots" is part of The American Adventure Series and is set in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1889. The historical events covered include the use of horse-drawn streetcars, the reasons (for and against) forming a worker's union, and the Easter Riot. The moral issues include looking at controversial current events from both sides of the issue, remaining respectful of those you may disagree with, maintaining friendships through tensions, the dangers of a mob mentality, and more. These series follow along two fictional families over the generations, and weave them into involvement with actual historic events. In this book, a family is walking through Minneapolis to head to Easter dinner with family. They are nervous about the potential interactions between a couple of their relatives who hold very different beliefs regarding the current upset in the Streetcar business. A banker feels the owner of the Streetcars, Thomas Lowry, has every right to cut wages if that is necessary to keep his business afloat and moving forward. After all, soon electric streetcars will be in demand and they would be very costly to install. If the owner cannot keep up with the times, the business may go under and all the employees will lose their jobs. A railroad union man feels that the streetcar drivers would benefit from forming a union. After all, cutting 15% of employees wages across the board puts them in a very difficult position to provide for their families. Who knows whether Thomas Lowry is planning to expand the business or just lining his pockets with cash? When streetcar workers strike, banding together to speak with one voice as a union could hasten the resolution to the matter to get the streetcars up and running again. This book contained enough action to keep us interested and enough insight to stir meaningful discussion. Like other books in this series, I highly recommend it. There was nothing too intense/scary/mature for my 4 and 6 year old's who are sensitive. |
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January 2022
Blog Hopping?I am not much of a blog reader. There's only a couple I check on occasion:
HisPoetry.blogspot.com Love this girl's writing... feels like she's a long distance friend. Well, her sister is my long-distance friend, so that probably helps. Either way, what an inspiration and encouragement- you just need to check out some of the places life has taken Leah and be strengthened and inspired by the love that oozes (yes, oooozes) from her heart for Jesus, His people and His creation! chocolatecoveredkatie.com If you like nummy recipes, or have special dietary needs (or both!) check it out. ALL of her recipes are Vegan, and many can be made gluten-free. I stumbled upon it when searching for dairy/egg free treats to make for my kiddo and have gotten hooked on several recipes. Okay, "hooked on" doesn't portray it well enough. How about "addicted to"? That's more fitting. Will definitely be going back for more! |