Clara Barton

Clara Barton

Clara Barton
Reading Level

	edHelper's suggested reading level:	grades 4 to 6
	Flesch-Kincaid grade level:	5.9

Vocabulary

	challenging words:		enrolled, epidemic, occupation, supporter, intelligent, organization, education, slavery, impressed, miller, responsibility, recovery, possibly, teaching, unworthy, tended
	content words:		Clara Barton, North Oxford, Sarah Barton, American Red Cross

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Clara Barton
By Jane Runyon

¹     To some who knew her, it almost seemed like Clara Barton was born to be a nurse. She was born on December 25, 1821. Her parents said that she was the perfect Christmas gift. Her family lived in North Oxford, Massachusetts. Clara was welcomed into the family by two sisters and two brothers.

²     The Barton household was anything but calm and quiet. Clara's father was a farmer and miller. He didn't have a lot of money, but he believed in sharing what he had. He believed deeply in a good education. He disliked slavery as deeply as he loved education. Clara's mother agreed with her husband about slavery. That's about the only thing they agreed upon. Sarah Barton was a strong supporter of women's rights. She also believed in saving every penny they could make. The Barton home was often filled with loud and angry words between the parents.

³     Clara was a shy and timid little girl. She was the youngest child and sometimes felt ignored. She somehow felt that all of the fighting that went on in her home was her fault. She felt unworthy all of her life. Until she was four, Clara was tutored by her family. She was a bright child and quick to learn. When she was enrolled in school at age four, she impressed her teachers with her abilities.

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