This picture book chronicles the travels of Lewis Hine, who used his
camera to document child labor in the 20th century
Stunning visuals and poetic text combine to tell the inspiring story of
Lewis Hine (1874-1940), a teacher and photographer who employed his art
as a tool for social reform. Working for the National Child Labor
Committee (NCLC), Hine traveled the country, taking pictures of children
as young as five toiling under dangerous conditions in cotton mills,
seafood canneries, farms, and coal mines. He often wore disguises to
sneak into factories, impersonating a machinery inspector or traveling
salesman. He said, "If I could tell this story in words, I wouldn't need
to lug a camera." His poignant pictures attracted national attention and
were instrumental in the passage of child labor laws. The Traveling
Camera includes extensive back matter with timelines, original
photographs, and a bibliography.