This President's Day was especially important because it marked 200 years since the birth of President Abraham Lincoln. So here are some of the best books about our past presidents. The first three books are great for ages 9 through 12.
My Brother Abe: Sally Lincoln's Story, by Harry Mazer, is not only a wonderful story that gives insight to this great man when he was a child, but it also relates what life was like for rural American families back in the early 1800's.
When Lincoln was a youngster, his father lost his Kentucky land in a government scandal and so the family headed west to Indiana , where he built their log cabin. The story begins in Kentucky and is told through the eyes of his older sister Sally (by 2 years), and you begin to understand the daily routine in both of these states as well as the difficulties of walking from the farm in Kentucky to the new one in Indiana.
The daily chores included Abraham and his father chopping wood and hunting, while Sally and her mother baked corncakes, hung clothes on wooden pegs and carried sand from the creek to put on the dirt floor in their house. What is very evident at the beginning of the book is the importance and value of learning how to read and write. Abe's mother was a strong advocate of having both her children learn these valuable lessons making them somewhat unique amongst families in the farming community. It became apparent that Abraham was a fast learner and very smart for his young age.
Other highlights are the death of the children's mother and the marriage of the stepmother, Mrs. Sarah Bush Johnson. Check out the afterward and glossary located in the back of the book. This book is well written, interesting and an excellent insight to an important time in history.
Chasing Lincoln's Killer, by James L. Swanson, is a true-life account of the events leading up to the assassination of Lincoln, as well as what happened to the group of assassins, led by John Wilkes Booth. There is much suspense and action in the actual activities prior to, and after, Lincoln 's lethal bullet wound.
As I read through these pages I learned that there were also co-conspirators involved in not only planning the death of Lincoln but also his Secretary of State and the Vice President, Andrew Johnson. Fortunately the other two didn't die, but it was a very difficult time for the country. Many Confederate supporters hated Lincoln , because the Civil War was soon to end.
There are many photos, newspaper articles, maps, posters and flyers found throughout the book, keeping the interest level to a high degree. Don't miss the epilogue found at the back.
Abraham Lincoln, by David Colbert, is part of the 10 Days series where Lincoln 's life is summarized in 10 chapters. These include his rise to the presidency, the Emancipation Act, and the Union winning the Civil War. Photos and drawings are found throughout this book.
The rest are picture books good for ages 5 through 8. What Lincoln Said, by Sarah L. Thomson, and illustrated by James E. Ransome, is a good introduction to this great man. The uniqueness of this portrayal of Lincoln 's life story has his actual words highlighted in red and showcases the humility and honesty that he portrayed throughout his life.
Our Abe Lincoln, adapted by Jim Aylesworth, and illustrated by Barbara McClintock, is an old song that is derived from “The Old Grey Mare” and reinvented with an emphasis on Lincoln's outstanding traits such as smart, true and kind. The song is written out on both beginning and end papers.
Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln, by Doreen Rappaport, and illustrated by one of my very favorite painters (Kadir Nelson), is a breathtaking book filled with images of this great president and showing characteristics that depict both word and deed. His actual words are highlighted in blue and they begin and end with more insightful and meaningful words that still ring true today. There are interesting facts and dates found at the back of the book. This book is one of my favorites and possibly one that will make my “top list” at the end of the year!
A. Lincoln and Me, by Louise Borden, and illustrated by Ted Lewin, correlates a gangly tall and skinny boy to a president of long ago. The comparison brings out the importance of Lincoln along with the likeness of a boy who was teased and is now liked.
Presidents' Day, by Anne Rockwell, and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell, teaches about Mount Rushmore and the presidents that are sculpted there. Students in class put on a play and demonstrate the importance of these great presidents.
Encyclopedia of the Presidents and Their Times, by David Rubel, includes interesting facts about each president up to our current president, Barack Obama. This easy read is interesting, has photos and illustrations throughout, and is well organized and includes a history of the White House found at the back of the book.
