What is lyddie?

"Lyddie" is a historical novel written by Katherine Paterson. It was first published in 1991 and is set in the 1840s during the industrial revolution in the United States. The story follows the life of a young girl named Lyddie Worthen, who is forced to work in a textile mill in Lowell, Massachusetts to help support her impoverished family.

As Lyddie faces harsh working conditions, long hours, and a meager wage, she dreams of a better life for herself. She becomes determined to save enough money to reunite her family and buy back their farm in Vermont.

The novel explores themes of resilience, family, friendship, and the struggles of working-class Americans during this period of rapid industrialization. Through Lyddie's journey, readers gain insight into the challenges faced by young women working in factories during the industrial revolution.

"Lyddie" has been praised for its vivid historical detail, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. It is often used in classrooms to teach students about the hardships faced by workers in early industrial America.