The Industrial Revolution brought about great changes, but this was a time before many labor laws, and many children had to work from sunup to sundown. The poor had to work as rat catchers and coal miners! Readers will take in important historical context as they learn all about these and other horrible jobs of the era. Sidebars and fact boxes add further detail, including the grotesque "secret" to softening animal hides for leather goods. Historical images and colorful illustrations draw readers deeper into the harsh reality of a pivotal era full of terrible working conditions.