Aunt Clara Brown: Official Pioneer

On My Own Biography

by Linda Lowery, Janice Lee Porter (Illustrator)

As a successful former slave, Clara Brown used her money to help other freed slaves get a new start in life. In 1859 Clara bought her own freedom and headed west to Colorado to find her daughter, who was sold when she was just a little girl. Clara didn't find her daughter there, but she did get rich. The people she helped became her family, and she became known as "Aunt" Clara Brown.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Picture Books, 2nd Grade, Childrens, Historical

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunt Clara Brown: Official Pioneer by Linda Lowery is an inspiring story of Clara Brown, a formerly enslaved woman who became a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist in Colorado during the 19th century. Her journey from slavery to freedom, her determination to reunite with her lost family, and her generosity in helping others make her story one of resilience and kindness.

Written in an engaging and accessible way, this book is a great introduction to a lesser-known historical figure who made a significant impact. Perfect for young readers interested in history and stories of perseverance! 🌟📖

[MQR · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I picked up this book, I thought, well either that it could be good, or it could be 'disaster' (please keep reading, I will explain). Either way, I thought it is probably not a children's book. After reading it, I think it could be read with a child of probably ten or older. I still wouldnt put it in a child's own library just because the language is simple, does not mean the story is simple. And that is what I mean when I say 'disaster'. So I think this author did a wonderful job. I felt like it was the story that Aunt Clara Brown would have loved to have heard about her own life, and passed on to children. I loved every page of this well-written book, and the meaning of it stays with you, which, (not to be too critical-minded, though) was truly what I had hoped for.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunt Clara had a beautiful giving heart and never gave up finding her daughter.

[Antionea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a true story based on Clara Brown who was a wonderful sweet women she became known as Aunt Clara Brown. She was born into slavery in 1802. In 1820 she married Richard Brown, and in 1856 se brought her own freedom, and traveled to Colorado. She then worked in Realestates. She had one child who they became separated by time her daughter, Eliza Jane from being auctioned off by slave owners. Clara Brown felt like she lost her heart. As time went by Clara always tried looking fr her daughter, it wasn't until 1883 when they finally reunited. Clara died in 1885 but her legacy remain to go on, in 1885 two months before her death a Banquet was held for Clara brown success.
The literary of this book had a few wide vocabulary words, great for 5th graders.
I gave this book 5stars, because it was very heart touching, I was happy most of all that Clara Brown was able to reunite with her Daughter Eliza Jane.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible TRUE story of hope and triumph! Aunt Clara Brown, a former slave, is a story you will want to read to your kids! She was a hard working women who had a heart of gold! A truly remarkable story!

I found this book on my extra reading list for the curriculum I am using to study history from 1850-current day. This was a wonderful addition to our study of going west in the mid 1800’s as well as an inspirational book! I LOVE children’s books that document true stories such as this one!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introducing new readers to some of history's most interesting and important people, these biographies focus on the pivotal episodes that show what kind of person the subject is (or was) and how he or she came to be famous. Although written in a story format, these books are not fictionalized accounts. A chronology of major events follows the story, along with a brief summary of the subject's life.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara bought her freedom after her slave owner died. Then she worked as she cross to California. There she set-up a laundry shop where she became rich. After becoming rich, she searched again for her daughter. Along the way, she paid for former slaves to travel to California and set-up businesses. In the end, she finds her daughter! She also receives her pension for settling California (the first black woman to do so).

[Riley Bunch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a books I recently reread as an adult because I got it as a kid when we read it I class. And I still stand by the fact that this is a good CHILD FRIENDLY example of what some of the struggles of a freed slave and a woman of color can go through. But without the content of this subject that would really scare or disturb a kid.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important picture book biography to share with elementary age students during Black History Month or anytime. Emotional. Heartbreaking. Touching. Aunt Clara Brown: Official Pioneer does what all great reads do, make you want to learn more.

[Michelle Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for any age.

[Tonja, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!!

[Jamie Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always fascinated about how African Americans become successful in a time when they had no rights whatsoever. This woman lost her daughter (she was sold away from her) and was determined to be reunited with her and in the process became a huge success in Colorado. This is a must read for anyone, but definitely for African Americans.

[Amy Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

We enjoyed this read-aloud. My children were listening at first while scattered around the room, but the story drew them around to see the illustrations. By the time the book describes, in flashback, the selling of Clara Brown's ten-year-old daughter away from her, my five-year-old cared enough about the characters to be truly heartbroken.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very educational and a part of history that I was unaware of! Clara brown was a great pioneering and independent woman who took care of others. Even if others didn't want to take care of her. I want my nieces and nephews to know about her!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great biography for young readers.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for the In2Books program. I was impressed with how much information was packed into such a slight book. Simplistic, but informative read for young readers.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough subject written well for little kids.

[Monica P. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that even though it was written for kids, I learned something too!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I2B