• Age: 8 to 13
• Grade: 3 to 8

Meg and Jamie Bains spend twelve hours a day sewing shirts in a loud, dim room filled with row after row of poor women and children tending their sewing machines. They're lucky to have the work.
In the 1870s Canada suffers from a terrible Depression, and the Bains have travelled the country looking for work since their father died, finally ending up in this dark mill in Montreal. Soon they discover they've only been hired to replace workers striking to raise their rock-bottom wages. This knowledge, along with the cold and hunger and seemingly endless workdays, starts to wear them down. As they come to know their co-workers, however, the find they're not alone in their misery. Working together they find it's possible to make change, even in the dark world of the oppressive mills.
Set against the grim background of Canada's 19th century industrial cities, Trouble at Lachine Mill is the story of two young people's perseverance in the face of incredible squalour and adversity. The book is illustrated with a section of photographs chronicling the industrial city of Montreal in the late-19th century.
This is the fourth book in the Bains series of historical novels, well-researched, action-filled narratives following the travels of one family across Canada--from Newfoundland to Alberta-- in search of a better life during the hard times of the 1870s.

Bill Freeman is an award-winning author who has written historical fiction for young adults, film scripts, documentaries, theatrical plays, educational videos, and non-fiction books. He specializes in writing about Canada and the Canadian experience.

In the 1960s and '70s Bill lived, worked, and studied in Hamilton. The play Glory Days is part of his exploration of the life of the city and its fascinating history. Bill is perhaps best known as the author of novels for young adults set in Canada in the latter part of the nineteenth century called the Bains Series. He is also well known for his books of popular history. His most recent work, Hamilton: A Peopleâ??s History, surveys the cityâ??s often turbulent history. Many of his books have received high critical acclaim and a number of awards. In recent years Bill has worked in the film industry as a writer and historical consultant. He has been on the creative team of many film projects as writer, narrator, and consultant. The projects include a science series for high school students and Mighty Machines II, a made-for-television project for preschool children. Bill Freeman lives on Toronto Island with his partner Paulette.

Bill Freeman's profile page

• Winner, Vicky Metcalf Award for Children's Literature
• Winner, Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection

"a very readable, moving story about an historical era.... A welcome addition to both public andschool libraries..."

Canadian Materials