Clara and Davie

Written by Patricia Polacco

Grade:

2-4

ISBN-13:

978-0545354776

Publisher:

Scholastic (2014)

There are many biographies of American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton, but this lovely picture book focuses on her childhood (early 19th century Massachusetts) and Clara’s close relationship with her older brother. Davie adored Clara and, early on, saw her talent for healing animals. While other children made fun of Clara’s lisp—a speech impediment that sometimes brought punishments—Davie saw only her strengths, and stood by her. When he suffered a devastating accident that broke both his legs, Clara did all she could to nurse him back to health and inspire him to walk again. It was the beginning of a career in nursing that would define her life and memory to most of us. The love and compassion of brother and sister eventually had enormous ripple effects. The Red Cross has become a symbol of caring in moments of disaster.