Debra J. Housel, M.A., earned a master's degree from Nazareth College of Rochester and worked as a teacher for more than a dozen years before becoming a freelance writer. She is an award-winning author and has written and/or consulted on more than 100 titles.<br>
The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain during the 1700s and spread to America in the early 1800s as the colonies formed and grew. Readers will learn about this important time in U.S. history in this enlightening nonfiction title. Through fascinating facts and engaging sidebars, children will learn how industrialism provided the means for development and expansion in America as life transitioned from rural beginnings to large cities. Industry was a large factor for innovation and employment at the beginning of the 20th Century through such creations as assembly lines, patents, and labor unions. Detailed images and easy-to-read text show readers the ups and downs of this time period, including child labor laws, labor unions, muckrakers, and immigrant and slave labor. The colorful scrapbook layout, helpful table of contents, and accommodating glossary combine to create a reading experience that is easy for readers to navigate through.