Clara and the Bookwagon, Level 3 (I Can Read Book)

Papa will not allow Clara to learn to read—he says "Farm people like us do not have time to read." But when the traveling bookwagon, with persuasive Miss Mary at the reins, arrives at their farm, Papa realizes he must change his mind. Based on the true story of America’s first ‘bookmobile.’

"The free library in a nearby Maryland village is off-limits to the curious child, but Clara's chance encounter with librarian Mary Titcomb and the first horse-drawn 'moving library' changes her father's response. A glimpse of childhood without schools, libraries, literacy and books is presented in easy-to-read historical fiction." (Cooperative Children's Book Center)

Clara and the Bookwagon is a Level Three I Can Read book. Level 3 includes many fun subjects kids love to read about on their own. Themes include friendship, adventure, historical fiction, and science. Level 3 books are written for early independent readers. They include some challenging words and more complex themes and stories.

What happens when a girl desperate to read meets a librarian with a horse-drawn wagon full of books?

• Based on a True Story: Discover the inspiring history of Mary Titcomb and America's very first horse-drawn bookmobile in this charming book.
• A Determined Heroine: Clara won't let anything stop her from learning to read—not even her own Papa!
• The Magic of Libraries: Celebrate the joy of books and the librarians who share them with this story about a very special library on wheels.
• Perfect for Early Readers: As an I Can Read Level 3 book, the simple language and engaging plot are ideal for children starting to read on their own.

Nancy Smiler Levinson has written many popular books for young readers, including Magellan and the First Voyange Around the World and the I Can Read Books Clara and the Bookwagon, illustrated by Carolyn Croll, and Snowshoe Thompson, illustrated by Joan Sandin. She lives in Beverly Hills, California.

Carolyn Croll is the distinguished illustrator of many books for children, including the I Can Read Books The Big balloon race by Eleanor Coerr and Clara and the Bookwagon by Nancy Smiler Levinson. She lives in Philadelphia, PA.