89 pages • 2 hours read
Kate MooreThe Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore chronicles the devastating effects of radium poisoning on young female workers at the Radium Luminous Materials Corporation and Radium Dial, and their subsequent legal battle against the corporations. The book tells a cautionary tale about the dangers of corporate greed and the lack of health regulations, highlighting the bravery and perseverance of women like Katherine Schaub and Catherine Donohue. The book contains graphic descriptions of medical conditions and procedures.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kate Moore's The Radium Girls is praised for its gripping storytelling and thorough research, bringing to light the tragic and inspiring stories of the women poisoned by radium in the early 20th century. However, some reviews note that the narrative occasionally gets bogged down by excessive detail, potentially slowing the pace. Overall, it's a compelling read that captivates and educates.
Who Should Read The Radium Girls?
Readers captivated by real-life stories of resilience, women's history, and industrial disasters will find The Radium Girls by Kate Moore compelling. Fans of Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot will appreciate the meticulous research and narrative of triumph over injustice.
RecommendedReading Age
14+yearsLexile Level
980LBook Details
History: U.S.
Science / Nature
WWI / World War I
Values/Ideas: Science & Technology
Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger
Identity: Gender