The Miners’ Lament (I Am America)
In October 1950, Mexican-American employees at the Empire Zinc Company went on strike. The striking miners demanded fair pay and safe sanitation for their homes. When a court order prevented strikers from blocking the road into the mine, their female relatives took their places, preventing strikebreakers from entering.
The Miners’ Lament is the fictional story of one of these young feminist warriors. Protagonist Ana Maria is only eleven years old when she defies her father to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave men, women, and children of her town. Author Judy Dodge Cummings marries history to story seamlessly in this novel as she dives into the complexities of social justice in families and communities.
Cummings humanizes both sides of the picket line; she explores racism and classism in the rich context of personal relationships. The resulting story reminds audiences that while division can be deadly, it can disappear with empathy, patience, and connection. If young readers can overlook the retro cover, Cummings’s tale of bravery and community will inspire them. Highly recommend for ages eight and up.
