The Day the Tents Burned

In the dusty hills of Colorado in 1914, families living in canvas tents took a stand against one of the richest companies in America. They were miners, mothers, fathers-and kids-who believed that even ordinary people deserved fairness, safety, and respect. This gripping true story brings young readers into the heart of the Ludlow tent colony, where children played in the snow while their parents marched for justice, and where courage meant holding your ground even when the world seemed against you. Told with vivid detail and a kid-friendly voice, this book explores what it was like to work in the dark, dangerous coal mines, to grow up in a company town, and to watch your neighbors and friends risk everything for the promise of a better life. Readers will learn how immigrant families from many countries came together, how children joined the fight for safer workplaces and better pay, and how one terrible day-the Ludlow Massacre-sparked outrage across the nation. More than just a story of tragedy, this is a story of strength, teamwork, and hope. It shows how speaking up and standing side by side can change lives, and why the fight for fairness is just as important today as it was over a century ago.