Defining Moments

Books in the Defining Moments series offer simple, straightforward biographies of historical figures—among them, Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar Chavez, and Christopher Reeve—who overcame great obstacles to make a positive difference in society. Biographical information begins with details about childhood, then focuses, with an inspiring tone, on the subjects’ adult achievements. Barton, for instance, overcame crippling shyness and fears as a late-in-life daughter to brave cannon fire on Civil War battlefields and later, at age 59, established the American Red Cross. Well-selected photos on a colorful page layout provide a sometimes dramatic sense of the era in which Barton lived. A glossary, a brief and colorful time line, and a bibliography with recommended Web sites are appended.