This realistically fascinating book is an eye-opener to a part of American history that can be quite appalling. A time where children like Grace and her friend, Arthur, were pulled out of school illegally to work grueling hours on machines; or where storekeepers were able to cheat their customers because of their illiteracy. Through the voice and broken English of fictional Grace Forcier, Elizabeth Winthrop weaves an endearing tale about the financial and family hardships an average mill-working family would have faced, while hinting a better future for the restless protagonist. Though some people may think this book harshly accurate, it informs readers about a history we all should know.
Tools for this page
Counting on Grace
(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Elizabeth Winthrop)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Compelling, fact-based story of child labor.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Counting on Grace
Parents need to know that there is a horrifying scene of a boy deliberately putting his hand in a machine, which mangles it and cuts off two fingers, so that he won't have to work in the mill anymore. Sensitive children will find both the scene and its implications disturbing.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about Lewis Hines and child labor. Why did Hines use a camera instead of writing? Why shouldn't children work to help support their families?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Great Book for History Lovers ages 11+
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Great Book for History Lovers ages 11+
This realistically fascinating book is an eye-opener to a part of American history that can be quite appalling. A time where children like Grace and her friend, Arthur, were pulled out of school illegally to work grueling hours on machines; or where storekeepers were able to cheat their customers because of their illiteracy. Through the voice and broken English of fictional Grace Forcier, Elizabeth Winthrop weaves an endearing tale about the financial and family hardships an average mill-working family would have faced, while hinting a better future for the restless protagonist. Though some people may think this book harshly accurate, it informs readers about a history we all should know.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Great Book for History Lovers ages 11+
This realistically fascinating book is an eye-opener to a part of American history that can be quite appalling. A time where children like Grace and her friend, Arthur, were pulled out of school illegally to work grueling hours on machines; or where storekeepers were able to cheat their customers because of their illiteracy. Through the voice and broken English of fictional Grace Forcier, Elizabeth Winthrop weaves an endearing tale about the financial and family hardships an average mill-working family would have faced, while hinting a better future for the restless protagonist. Though some people may think this book harshly accurate, it informs readers about a history we all should know.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Great Book for History Lovers ages 11+
This realistically fascinating book is an eye-opener to a part of American history that can be quite appalling. A time where children like Grace and her friend, Arthur, were pulled out of school illegally to work grueling hours on machines; or where storekeepers were able to cheat their customers because of their illiteracy. Through the voice and broken English of fictional Grace Forcier, Elizabeth Winthrop weaves an endearing tale about the financial and family hardships an average mill-working family would have faced, while hinting a better future for the restless protagonist. Though some people may think this book harshly accurate, it informs readers about a history we all should know.
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!
If this book it reccomended for 10 year olds, the person who decided that must be completely crazy. Only a totally phyco person could ever say that a book including content like this could be a good book for 10 year olds. The fact that this book is based on real life and true facts makes it even less appealing- if that's possible. And to think that any one could even think to call this book "COMPELLING" or "APPROPRIATE".
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you read it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
