Lyddie by Katherine Paterson

Set in the 1800's in New England, this novel offers a picture of what life was like for a young female working in a factory on the looms.  The noise, long hours and health issues are very difficult. The  menacing overseer strikes fear in the girls. Lyddie is determined to continue and make enough money to pay her family's debts and return to the farm she was forced to leave. Living in a boarding house with many other females who work at the factory she makes friends and learns of women who want to fight for their rights though she does not join with them. Though this is a young peoples book I would recommend it for adults also and experience the struggles in this young girl's life and relationships.