Who Was Clara Barton?

She was...

A very shy girl who was also a serious tomboy

One of the first women to hold a government job

The founder of the American Red Cross

Clarissa “Clara” Barton was a shy girl who grew up to become a teacher, nurse, and humanitarian.  At a time when few women worked outside the home, she became the first woman to hold a government job, as a patent clerk in Washington, DC. In 1864, she was appointed “lady in charge” of the hospitals at the front lines of the Union Army, where she became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” Clara Barton built a career helping others.  She went on to found the American Red Cross, one of her greatest accomplishments, and one of the most recognized organizations in the world.

By Stephanie Spinner and Who HQ

About OLP Selects

Looking for interesting, age appropriate, history books for your young reader? We've done the legwork for you with OLP Selects, History Books for Kids. Our selection of highly rated and reviewed titles are the perfect supplements to your 4th and 5th grade history studies. Great for expanded study of a favorite historical figure or event these books are also perfect for beginner book reports. Our initial offerings are from the acclaimed "Who Was" book series from WhoHQ at Penguin Books.