Gunpowder Girls

"Gunpowder Girls" delves into the harrowing experiences of women and girls, some as young as nine, who were hired during the Civil War to produce millions of rounds of ammunition. Working grueling 72-hour weeks with minimal training, these workers, often poor immigrants or widows, faced devastating workplace accidents that resulted in tragic casualties. This compelling narrative highlights the themes of child labor, immigrant aspirations, and the relentless toll of war. A Junior Library Guild selection, it sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history.