About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses feeling insignificant or is searching for their 'true calling' in a world that feels overwhelming. While many biographies focus on immediate success, this story highlights how a shy, small girl from Massachusetts navigated multiple careers before discovering her purpose on the front lines of history. It is an ideal choice for children who possess deep empathy but need a model for how to turn that feeling into decisive action. This DK biography traces Clara Barton's journey from a self-conscious child and dedicated teacher to the 'Angel of the Battlefield' during the Civil War and the founder of the American Red Cross. The narrative emphasizes resilience, the importance of education, and the courage required to challenge social norms. For parents, it offers a gentle yet honest introduction to historical hardships and the power of humanitarian service, making it a perfect bridge for 8 to 12-year-olds moving into more complex historical nonfiction.
