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.