Clara and Davie

Clara and Davie
Age Range
6+
Release Date
January 14, 2014
ISBN
9780545354776
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From bestselling author Patricia Polacco's family tree -- the true story of young Clara Barton. Animals and flowers were Clara's best friends. She had a special way with critters and found joy in the beauty that sprang from the soil. But whenever Clara talked, her words didn't come out right. As hard as she tried, she could not get over her lisp. Clara's older brother Davie understood that his sister was gifted. When folks made fun of Clara's stilted words, Davie was always at her side reminding her that she had a talent for healing creatures. Davie told his sister, "Some day you are going to be a very great lady." And that's exactly what happened. Clara Barton became one of the most famous medical practitioners of all time, and founded the American Red Cross.

From bestselling author Patricia Polacco's family tree -- the true story of young Clara Barton. Animals and flowers were Clara's best friends. She had a special way with critters and found joy in the beauty that sprang from the soil. But whenever Clara talked, her words didn't come out right. As hard as she tried, she could not get over her lisp. Clara's older brother Davie understood that his sister was gifted. When folks made fun of Clara's stilted words, Davie was always at her side reminding her that she had a talent for healing creatures. Davie told his sister, "Some day you are going to be a very great lady." And that's exactly what happened. Clara Barton became one of the most famous medical practitioners of all time, and founded the American Red Cross.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
An inspirational look at the childhood of a legendary American woman.
Overall rating
 
3.0
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The true story of a young Clara Barton is an inspirational look at the childhood of an American legend.

CLARA AND DAVIE tells the story of Clara's childhood struggles with a speech impediment, bullying, and family illness. It is a heart-warming look at how the lonely girl became a strong healer and force to be reckoned with in American medicine.

The illustrations, done by the well-know author-illustrator Patricia Polacco, are warm and colorful renditions of scenes from Clara's life. Frankly, the style may be a little too grown-up for a picture book audience, but the nature of a picture book itself isn't great for older readers.

The story itself is wordy and quite long, which will make it difficult for its intended audience of ages 3-5. The book would be better suited to reading aloud to 2nd and 3rd grade students during a unit on American History - because of it being a picture book, it wouldn't really be appealing for students to read on their own. CLARA AND DAVIE would be a good classroom or storytime book when paired with a short film or non-fiction selection.

While a good story with a great true history behind it, as a historical picture book CLARA AND DAVIE is ill-suited for its intended audience.
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