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Monday, September 7 is Labor Day! First celebrated in 1882 right here in New York City, this federal holiday honors the contributions of workers across the United States and recognizes those who fought tirelessly for fair wages, safer working conditions, and a better quality of life for all.
As we approach the unofficial “end of summer” this year, we’re sharing reading recommendations for students of all ages to explore the history and impact of labor movements, the people who led them, and the issues that motivated them.
Early Readers (3-K–Grade 2)
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909, by Michelle Markel; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin; illustrated by Betsy Lewin
On Our Way to Oyster Bay: Mother Jones and her March for Children’s Rights, by Monica Kulling; illustrated by Felicita Sala
The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins and Her New Deal for America, by Kathleen Krull; illustrated by Alexandra Bye
Elementary (Grades 3–5)
Bog Myrtle, by Sid Sharp
Dolores Huerta Stands Strong, by Malene Targ Brill
I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People, by Anne Broyles; illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968, by Alice Faye Duncan; illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Fannie Never Flinched: One Woman’s Courage in the Struggle for American Labor Union Rights, by Mary Cronk Farrell
Kids on the March, by Michael Long
The Pecan Sheller, by Lupe Ruiz-Flores
Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight, by Duncan Tonatiuh
Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)
Fight to Win! Heroes of American Labor, by Kim Kelly
The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers’ Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields, by Steve Watkins
Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States, by J. Albert Mann
Uprising, by Margaret Peterson Haddix
You can find these books and many more great reads on Sora, our Citywide Digital Library, which provides free access to thousands of digital e-books and audiobooks for our students!
From graduation ceremonies and award celebrations, to final project presentations and end-of-year exams, City public schools were buzzing with activity and excitement all month long! Check out some of the snapshots we took over the past month, and join us in thanking all of the incredible educators, school leaders, volunteers, and students who made the past year truly special for NYC Public Schools!
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Every year, the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) recognizes exceptional student-athletes with its Wingate Awards, which are given to the most outstanding high school seniors in every PSAL sport who demonstrate athletic excellence, leadership, dedication, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to this year's winners! (Photo Credit: NYCPSAL via Flickr)
June's Bronx STEAM Center Student Showcase highlighted some of the incredible hands-on work and research that juniors and seniors from 10 Bronx high schools completed over the past school year. From hands-on tech demonstrations to brilliant digital designs, these students showed firsthand they are ready to hit the ground running with the skills, experiences, and guidance needed to thrive in high-demand careers. (Photo Credit: John Brown, NYCPS)
Thousands of City students celebrated the end of their high school journeys last month—we are incredibly proud of all of our graduating seniors from the Class of 2026. (Photo Credit: John Brown, NYCPS)
Chancellor Samuels stopped by Martin Van Buren High School's graduation ceremony last month and delivered remarks for the hundreds of students, families, and staff members in attendance. (Photo Credit: John Brown, NYCPS) Expand Image
June also saw the launch of our very first-ever 2-K admissions process, and trucks like these were spotted throughout the City looking to get the word out! 2-K, the City's free early care and education program for two-year-olds, is launching in fall 2026 in select neighborhoods, and will expand citywide in future years. (Photo Credit: John Brown, NYCPS) Expand Image
It seemed like everyone in our schools was wearing orange and blue last month—and who could blame them? We're CHAMPIONS! (Photo Credit: John Brown, NYCPS) Expand Image
June also saw the start of the 2026 World Cup, and many school communities celebrated "the world's game" with fun events for students and teachers alike. (Photo Credit: NYCPSAL via Flickr) Expand Image
Thousands of City students, including these outstanding scholars from the Cobble Hill School of American Studies, earned their high school diplomas last month—and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of them! (Photo Credit: John Brown, NYCPS) Expand Image
PSAL held an end-of-year celebration at Tweed Courthouse last month in honor of its Student Ambassadors. This program empowers City student-athletes representing 37 PSAL sports to act as advocates on behalf of their peers. Each ambassador is committed to service, responsibility, collaboration, and making an impact both on and off the field. On behalf of NYCPS, we thank all of this year's Student Ambassadors for their service! (Photo Credit: NYCPSAL via Flickr) Expand Image
"I'm in love with my future; can't wait to meet her"—and neither can we! On behalf of NYC Public Schools, we wish all of our students, including our most recent graduates, an amazing summer! (Photo Credit: John Brown, NYCPS) Expand Image
