Enslow Books Explore Life of American Red Cross Founder Clara Barton

The past two years have seen a parade of occasions marking the 150th anniversary of various American Civil War events. Among the most beneficial, long lasting developments to emerge from the conflict was the establishment of the American Red Cross. The person principally responsible for that was Clara Barton. Her accomplishments, managed in the context of a male-dominant society and set during and after a bloody, divisive war, are relayed in Enslow Publishers' Clara Barton: "Face Danger But Never Fear It". Author Don Nardo's 128-page biography guides young readers through Barton's lifetime of commitment, her successes and challenges, and her impact on her generation.

The book, part of Enslow's "Americans--The Spirit of a Nation" series, is available in a library-bound edition for $23.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price. The book is also available from your preferred vendor, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

Meanwhile, for younger readers, Enslow's Amazing Civil War Nurse Clara Barton provides a well-written, thoughtfully illustrated presentation of this unique figure. Author Mary Dodson Wade's 24-page, AR 3.3 work, part of the "Amazing Americans" series, is available in paperback from Enslow Publishers for $6.95.

Amazing Civil War Nurse Clara Barton is also available as a multi-use e-book.

Today would have been Jim Thorpe's birthday

Jim Thorpe "There's No Such Thing as 'Can't'"
Author: Michael A. Schuman
State Affiliation of Author: NH
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3021-3

Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

American Indian Jim Thorpe made great feats a routine during his athletic career, winning gold medals in the Olympics and playing professional baseball and football. Although he faced bitter racism during his life, Thorpe continued to excel. When he received his gold medal for the decathlon in the 1912 Olympics, the King of Sweden proclaimed him the "greatest athlete in the world." Author Michael A. Schuman relates this American's exciting story, including the revocation and ultimate return of his gold medals, using interviews with Jim Thorpe's son and daughter as part of his research.

On this day in history

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

Known as "the Angel of the Battlefield" during the American Civil War, author Mary Dodson Wade explores the life of Clara Barton in this biography for beginning readers. Read about Barton's early jobs as a teacher and in a government office, and how she created the American Red Cross.

For middle school readers, Don Nardo explores the life of Clara Barton, from her days as a ground-breaking teacher to her creation of the American Red Cross.

Today would have been Dolley Madison's birthday

Dolley Madison: "The Enemy Cannot Frighten a Free People"
Author: Zachary Kent
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3356-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

As British soldiers marched toward Washington, D.C. on August 24, 1814, Dolley Madison bravely stayed at the White House waiting for her husband, President James Madison. Most residents had fled the city, but Dolley had to save important documents and valuables from the White House, including the famous painting of George Washington. Dolley left the city only hours before the British arrived. Dolley Madison had been a leading social and political figure in Washington for many years and helped to rebuild the American capital. Author Zachary Kent explores the life of this First Lady from her humble childhood to her legacy as a national hero.

Today would have been Mathew Brady's birthday

Mathew Brady "The Camera Is the Eye of History"
Author: Don Nardo
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3023-7

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

Often considered the father of American photography, Brady developed new techniques and photographed many famous Americans like President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant. He and his assistants also braved the battlefields and took many important photos during the Civil War. Some of the notable battlefields his operation recorded include Gettysburg and Antietam. Author Don Nardo explores Brady's life from the height of his success to the sad end of his life.