When the time for children came... A gripping novel with current relevance that you will never forget. 1874: In the workhouse of Berlin Steglitz, eight-year-old Emma and nine-year-old Mathilde form a lifelong friendship. Although their daily lives are marked by hard work, the two extraordinary girls hold onto their dream of a better world: While Emma becomes politically active early on and fights against the exploitation of women in factories, Mathilde hopes for salvation through her great love. But when both become mothers, Emma does everything she can to alleviate the suffering of their children – and Mathilde's as well. Thus, Emma Döltz becomes one of three strong-willed women who fight against hunger and child labor, establish the first Montessori children's homes in Germany, reform the law – and thereby pave the way for the historical children's rights movement. The historical children's rights advocates Emma Döltz, Clara Grunwald, and Eglantyne Jebb have gifted our children their rights – this novel intertwines their work with a dramatic family story.