89 pages 2 hours read

Kate Moore

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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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

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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 this

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+years

Lexile Level

980L

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Science / Nature

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Period

WWI / World War I

Themes

Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger

Identity: Gender

Genre

Biography