Which Side Are You On?: The Story of a Song (2011)

by George Ella Lyon

Other authors: Christopher Cardinale (Illustrator)

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"Which Side Are You On? tells the story of a song which was written in 1931 by Florence Reece in a rain of bullets. Florence's husband Sam was a coal miner in Kentucky. Miners went on strike until they could get better pay, safer working conditions, and health care. The company hired thugs to attack the organizers like Sam Reece. Writer George Ella Lyon tells this hair-raising story through the eyes of one of Florence's daughters, a dry-witted pig-tailed gal, whose vantage point is from under the bed with her six brothers and sisters. The thugs' bullets hit the thin doors and windows of the company house, the kids lying low wonder whether they're going to make it out of this alive, wonder exactly if this strike will make their lives better or end them, but their mother keeps scribbling and singing. "We need a song," she tells her kids. That's not at all what they think they need"--… (more)

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I cannot read a book about union organizing without crying and this one is no different. While reading to my kids I was a little concerned about the violence this family was experiencing: a mom and her small children hide under a bed while corporate hired thugs rain bullets into their home. I realized though, since no one is hurt, this may be a great way to discuss the truth of gun violence, the risks people are willing to take to defend their families and co-workers and friends. (

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mslibrarynerd | Jan 13, 2024 |

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss. (

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fernandie | Sep 15, 2022 |

Not that coal is an important resource now, but this book is still powerful as it relates to the idea that unions are necessary to fight privatization and poor working conditions. The song that Florence Reece wrote marked its 87th anniversary in 2018. This song is about J.H. Blair having such a strong grip on everyone who worked in the coal mines in Kentucky in 1931. It was written while J.H. Blair's "thugs" have come to shoot up everyone protesting for their rights. People in power certainly don't want to lose it. However, with Florence's husband being a main orchestrater of the coal strike, her song only emboldened the strikers' spirits to unify and demand justice. The pictures and style in this book are captivating and different in the best way possible. Its comic-book style art will grab any reader's attention. (

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SavanaCampbell | Mar 15, 2018 |

I first heard the protest song Which Side Are You On? from singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant back in 2000 when she toured the U.S. singing folk songs. Her tour was unique given the fact she wasn't supporting an album (that came later), the songs were all but forgotten British and American folk tunes, and audiences were treated to a history lesson with almost every song. Florence Reese's "Which Side Are You On?" became one of my favorite.

Of course, no one knows Ms. Reese's true story and her lyrics have changed over time, but George Ella Lyon's book (with illustrations by Christopher Cardinale) is entertaining and informative for children and adults alike. I especially liked the author note and bibliography. (

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SeriousGrace | Sep 7, 2016 |

Coal miners struggle for a union and get shot at by the company for trying to unionize. How frightening it can be to stand up for what's right and fair. The family is under the gun, literally being shot at in their home when the "Ma" writes a song about the sides that people are on. Thugs or the union? A photo of the lady at age 85 is on the last page. (

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1derlys | Apr 22, 2013 |

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The book will be of great use in explaining U.S. labor history and development of workers' rights. Given that many of the same conditions exist today, only changed by mechanization, the music and lyrics included may well find use in the current generation.

Lyon has given today's readers a stirring story about yesterdays.

added by g33kgrrl | editKirkus Reviews (Sep 28, 2011)

added by g33kgrrl | editPublishers Weekly (Sep 19, 2011)

added by g33kgrrl | editNew York Review of Books, Janice Floyd Durante

Overall, Which Side Are You On? provides an educational opportunity through a dramatic and enjoyable story. Christopher Cardinale’s blocky artwork, in the style of colored woodcuts, gives the story a historic look with modern appeal.

added by g33kgrrl | editNew York Journal of Books, Chris Eboch

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Author name	Role	Type of author	Work?	Status
George Ella Lyon	—	primary author	all editions	calculated
Cardinale, Christopher	Illustrator	secondary author	all editions	confirmed

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Canonical title

Original title

Alternative titles

Original publication date

2011

People/Characters

Florence Reece

Important places

Harlan County, Kentucky, USA

Important events

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Epigraph

Dedication

In Memory of Florence Reece (1900-1986) and Hazel Dickens (1935-2011)

For the people of Harlan County and for all who sing out for justice, especially Jean Ritchie, the Reel World String Band, Jessie Lynne, Jason, Silas, Anne & Kate -- G.E.L.

For the workers, organizers, their families, and friends who have taken a stand to protect our right to labor and live with dignity

For my son, Macéo, who will inherit the fruits of this struggle -- C.C.

First words

My Pa is a miner.

Quotations

Last words

(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)

Disambiguation notice

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Original language

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▾Book descriptions

"Which Side Are You On? tells the story of a song which was written in 1931 by Florence Reece in a rain of bullets. Florence's husband Sam was a coal miner in Kentucky. Miners went on strike until they could get better pay, safer working conditions, and health care. The company hired thugs to attack the organizers like Sam Reece. Writer George Ella Lyon tells this hair-raising story through the eyes of one of Florence's daughters, a dry-witted pig-tailed gal, whose vantage point is from under the bed with her six brothers and sisters. The thugs' bullets hit the thin doors and windows of the company house, the kids lying low wonder whether they're going to make it out of this alive, wonder exactly if this strike will make their lives better or end them, but their mother keeps scribbling and singing. "We need a song," she tells her kids. That's not at all what they think they need"--

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Library Media Connection Reviews 2012 May/June
Website: http://www.linworth.com
In 1931, Harlan County, Kentucky, Sam Reece has organized a union, and the coal company is trying to stop its strike. His wife, Florence, writes a protest song, which Sam assures her will be good for rallying the protestors. This picture book, with its woodcut illustrations, is based on these actual events. Different versions of the song can still be heard today. The author's note details conditions in coal mines in Kentucky, strikes, and the efforts of unions to gain better working conditions for miners. Though well done, this book would have a limited audience. Ann M.G. Gray, Library Media Specialist, Pittsburg (New Hampshire) School. ADDITIONAL SELECTION. Copyright 2012 Linworth Publishing, Inc.

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