The Traveling Camera: Lewis Hine and the Flight to End Child Labor

 

My Thoughts:

Using the words of photographer Lewis Hines (1874-1940), this picture book gives voice to the copious notes that Hines took over his long career documenting America through his photos. Hines influenced many policies around child labor law because he not only shared his hundreds of photos, but as an investigative photographer, he also takes detailed notes about each child he meets. In 1916-17, he travels more than fifty thousand miles, and from 1908-17, Lewis' pictures helped gain nationwide support for child labor reform. 

For the teacher:

As a teacher educator, I am in the middle and secondary schools to observe at least 20 lessons every semester. For one of my social studies candidates, his lesson was to do a one lesson loo at the industrial revolution . It was a lot of information in 90 minutes, however, what his 9th graders keyed in on were the photographs of children working in factories (perhaps photographed by Lewis Hines). Giving this picture book to my student teacher would allow the learning to continue for those students that are already engaged in the subject so that they could learn more. The back material for this picture book, including more photos and source material is the perfect resource for an i-search project.

From the Publishers:

Stunning visuals and poetic text combine to tell the inspiring story of Lewis Hine (1874–1940), a teacher and photographer who employed his art as a tool for social reform. Working for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), Hine traveled the country, taking pictures of children as young as five toiling under dangerous conditions in cotton mills, seafood canneries, farms, and coal mines. He often wore disguises to sneak into factories, impersonating a machinery inspector or traveling salesman. He said, “If I could tell this story in words, I wouldn't need to lug a camera.” His poignant pictures attracted national attention and were instrumental in the passage of child labor laws. The Traveling Camera includes extensive back matter with timelines, original photographs, and a bibliography.