Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers by Ruth Cashin Monsell documents the remarkable story of a determined advocate for workers’ rights. Perkins was born in 1880 in Boston, Massachusetts to a middle-class family and later raised in Worcester where her father owned a stationery business. In her senior year of college, she met Florence Kelley, a dynamic social justice crusader, and was exposed to the horrors that mill and factory workers encountered daily. These two events would inspire her lifelong mission to fight for the underprivileged. At just twenty-one and against her parents’ wishes, she left for New York to work at the Charity Organization Society. Throughout her life, Perkins continued her work as a champion for social justice and human dignity, later becoming the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet as the United States Secretary of Labor.

This biography is an inspiring tribute to an outstanding woman whose work continues to benefit millions of Americans. Perkins came from an ordinary background and served as her family’s breadwinner for years after her husband became unable to work which shows that through determination, anyone can follow in her footsteps and create change that improves the lives of others. Perkins’s attributes, including her compassion for the less fortunate, her visionary approach to her work, and her dedication to justice and equality are all exceptional qualities that I found motivating. The work contains current and historical details that I found informative. Frances Perkins by Ruth Cashin Monsell is a brilliant, well-compiled biography of a remarkable pioneer whose relentless efforts paved the way for others and created a more equitable society.

In Frances Perkins: Champion of American Workers by Ruth Cashin Monsell, Frances "Fannie" Perkins, deeply affected by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in March 1911, devoted her life to social change. From her early settlement work in New York City, she championed workers' rights and safety regulations. Perkins, the first woman on the New York State Industrial Commission, reshaped labor conditions. As the first woman U.S. Secretary of Labor during the Great Depression, she played a pivotal role in New Deal programs, facing opposition and criticism. Despite prejudice, Perkins left an indelible mark on American labor, recognized for her achievements and commitment to improving workers' conditions globally. After twelve years as Secretary of Labor, she continued public service, leaving a legacy of lifelong dedication to public service and the labor movement. Perkins passed away in May 1965. She is remembered for her impactful contributions.

In Frances Perkins, Ruth Cashin Monsell effectively portrays Perkins' evolution from her childhood anticipation of summers in Maine to her role as a vocal and impactful commitment to social justice. Monsell does an excellent job of building on the foundational importance of youth and young adulthood so that we get a well-rounded picture of what drove this extraordinary woman. The writing style is clean, straightforward, and easy to become immersed in. Monsell engages readers, avoiding the pitfalls of textbook presentations, and instead turns the biography into a story, which is a testament to her skill as a writer. As someone who grew up in San Francisco, the standout to me is the San Francisco longshoremen strike, where Perkins quashed recommendations to send in federal troops. Monsell writes, "She stood up for restraint and sent her own private cable to FDR. He thanked her for her frank assessment of the issues...and then gave her complete authority to speak for him." Perkins' approach averted potential bloodshed. Very highly recommended.

The introduction to the biography, Frances Perkins, Champion of American Workers, describes a seemingly ordinary, regular young woman who, with empathy, compassion, and hard work, becomes an expert in and takes up the cause of improving working conditions for the American workforce.

Workplace safety standards that are taken for granted now did not exist in the early 1900's. Conditions were often hazardous, dangerous and harsh. Children worked 10 and 12 hours a day in poorly lit and poorly ventilated factories and mills. Frances Perkins turned 30 years old in New York City in 1910. She traveled in circles that led to her meeting Al Smith and Franklin Roosevelt. She became an expert on "sanitary conditions in bakeries: fire prevention in factories; and a bill...which would prohibit boys under eighteen and women of any age from working more than fifty-four hours a week."

Frances became the first woman to serve in an administrative capacity under Governor Al Smith - to the outrage of many men in the administration. Frances Perkins became Franklin Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor during one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the United States. As the first woman to achieve a cabinet position, Frances Perkins' name should be better known and Ruth Cashin Monsell is making that happen. Her biography of Frances Perkins, paints the picture of a fortunate, privileged young woman who chose a life of service and intelligence. The story of her life serves as an inspiration. It is so worth knowing.