Lyddie by Katherine Paterson. New York : Lodestar Books, ©1991. Grade 6-9. New England, 1843-45.
In the 1840's, 14 year-old Lyddie is thrown into an adult world. Her father gone, her mother unable to cope, she leaves Vermont to accept hard work in a wool factory to earn money to pay off the debt on the family farm.

Working 13 hour days, 6 days a week at a loud and dusty loom, Lyddie herself turns into a type of machine, doggedly pursuing her own goals. But the needs of others intrude; her roommate too sick to work, her partner at the loom unable to keep up the pace, and Rachel, her own little sister with no place to go. Lyddie has more than her share of perseverance, but finds that determination alone isn't enough. Can she find a way to let go of her own plans and embrace reality? ( )