Clara and Davie: The True Story of Young Clara Barton

Little Clarissa was born on a Christmas day long ago. Her mother was sickly and weak, so it was up to older sister Dolly to raise her. But the youngest of her brothers, Davie, had a special love for the little girl he called Clara. Davie taught Clara to ride horses almost before she could walk. They shared a love of animals and nature, spending a great deal of time together out of doors. Clara would help Davie with his chores in the barn, and soon Davie recognized Clara had a special way with animals. But the greatest challenge Clara faced was a speech impediment, a very pronounced lisp. When she finally started school, she was teased mercilessly. Davie came to her rescue and convinced their father to home school Clara. While she battled her demon lisp, she developed a great talent for healing. Neighbors called on her to save their sick farm animals, but her greatest challenge was healing her brother Davie when he broke both his legs. It took her three years, but she finally got him back on his feet.

Author/illustrator Patricia Polacco drew on family history for this charming book. She is related to Clara Barton.