Clara Barton - (Graphic Biographies) by Allison Lassieur (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A biography telling the life story of Clara Barton, who served as a Civil War nurse, and started the American Red Cross. Written in graphic-novel format.

Review Quotes

Each of the Graphic Library titles presents a short introduction to the chosen topic. The books use bright comic-type illustrations to capture the interest of the reader. Although all aspects of the historical topic or person's life are not addressed, the books do provide basic information. Direct quotations from primary sources are included in each book and an index is provided. The books would be useful in schools that have ESL programs or with students who have learning disabilities.-- "Pennsylvania School Librarians Association"

From the very beginning Clara was a very determined girl who fought to overcome her fears. She loved to hear her father's war stories and said that she too would like to be a soldier like he had been. Of course she was told that, as she was "a girl" she couldn't be a soldier. As she grew older Clara learned that there were lots of things that a girl or young woman could not do. Clara took on one of the few professions that were open to women at that time - she became a teacher. Clara was very good at this, in fact she was so good that she became a principal. Then she ran into difficulties because the townspeople did not want a woman to have such an important role in the community. Clara took a new job in Washington D.C. and was there when the Civil War broke out. Like so many other women Clara did all she could to help but Clara took her job very seriously and took it to another level. Clara worked to get supplies for the soldiers who were poorly clothed, badly fed, and often sick. The men who got wounded in battle often had to do without basic medical supplies because there were none, and because of this many died needlessly. Clara worked tirelessly to fill this need persuading the military and the government that she had much to offer. When the war came to an end Clara had a hard time finding a place for herself except when she could do something to help soldiers on a battlefield. Then Clara found herself a new cause to fight for - persuading the American people that they needed to have Red Cross chapters in their country. Clara had seen what the Red Cross could do in times of war and when there were natural disasters and she was sure that America would greatly benefit from having such an organization in the country. This well written biography for 8 to 10 year olds brings Clara Barton's struggle to life showing the reader that she had many trials to face including ill health, depression, prejudice, and having to deal with a society that did not like to see women taking on roles that were considered 'unwomanly.' Presented in a graphic comic format, this is one of the titles from the excellent "Graphic Library" series which makes history and biographies accessible to even the most reluctant readers.-- "Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review"

The basic facts of Clara Barton's life are clearly laid out and enlivened by the comic book-style illustrations--complete with word balloons. While the cartoon dialogue is made up, the occasional letter or diary entry allows the historic personages to speak in their own words. This book captures Barton's acute feelings of depression, but also her persistence, and passion for the common man. It also sets her within the context of history as a woman who chose to succeed, work gainfully, and implement her ideals in social action. The back matter includes a password for www.facthound.com, a website which supplements the text of Capstone nonfiction books; a glossary and suggestions for additional reading about Barton and the American Red Cross.-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database"