Books with author Mary Dodson Wade

The heroic life of Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas, is vividly portrayed in this biography that describes how a gentle man finished the work of his father and helped found an independent Texas. Detailing how Austin inherited a grant of land with instructions to form a colony in Spanish-controlled Texas, this biography tells of how Stephen spent the next fifteen years negotiating, cajoling, and eventually taking up arms against the newly independent Mexico to help found the Republic of Texas. Austin's patience, courage, and character are celebrated throughout this resource for young readers. A directory of web links, for teachers to employ as potential activities, is also included.

Colonel David Stern Crockett was a celebrated 19th-century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier and politician. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives, served in the Texas Revolution, and died at the age of 49 at the Battle of the Alamo. Crockett’s early years were filled with adventure, hardship, and traveling. Shortly after being sent to school, he ran away from home. He did not return until his 16th birthday. Crockett was twice elected to the United States House of Representatives. In 1835, Crockett left Tennessee for Texas. When William B. Travis, commander in charge at the siege at the Alamo, appealed for help against the Mexican forces, Crockett responded. The Texians were far outnumbered by the Mexican army, but Travis and his brave men refused to surrender. Crockett died a hero’s death in the Alamo, but the legends about his skills as an outdoorsman, a maverick statesman and a warrior continued to grow. Today, Davy Crockett is considered an integral part of the American folklore, and all the stories and legends spring from the life of this real man.

From his humble beginnings in east Tennessee to his valiant stand at the Alamo, this biography introduces middle readers to the real person behind the larger-than-life image of David Crockett. The narrative skillfully separates fact from fiction as readers learn that Crockett did not really wear a coonskin cap and that he was never known as Davy Crockett. Young readers will appreciate the information on Crockett's turbulent and adventurous early years, such as when he ran away from home as a child and did not return until his sixteenth birthday. Much more than a rough-and-tumble frontiersman, David Crockett was also a successful businessman, a U.S. congressman, and a freedom fighter whose many accomplishments are detailed in this fascinating biography of this iconic American folk hero. Web links for teacher activity resources are also included.