Suzy Schmidt

I really enjoyed this book for a number of reasons. One of which is because it focuses on the events that lead Abraham Lincoln to become the 16th President which he is famous for. For example, the reader is able to journey through Abraham's life from Kentucky, where he was born, to Indiana where his family moved when he was seven years old and so forth. While this book covers a number of Abraham's strengths, it only lists one weakness which is that he lost a senate race in 1858. As a result, the author does appear to be bias as she only lists one weakness which is not a flaw. Overall, the big idea of this book is to show how Abraham Lincoln had to overcome a number of personal struggles in his life (Lack of education, the loss of his mother, etc) in order to become the man he is remembered as today.… (mer)

Summary:
Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky on a corn husk mattress. He was always a big kid and was a tall man also. He didn't go to school full time because he had to help provide for his family by chopping down trees and farming. He did teach himself how to read and write and do arithmetic. He had many jobs at the age of 21. He left to new towns to study, deliver mail, and also being a soldier. He began with politics after being in a couple elections that he actually won. He was also a lawyer. He got married to Mary Todd and they had four boys together. He ended slavery by signing the Emancipation Proclamation. He was shot while in a theater watching a play.

Personal Reaction:
I liked this book a lot because I really like learning about more things our Presidents did.

Classroom Extension:
1. This would make a great lesson on learning about our Presidents.
2. Students could do artwork of Abraham Lincoln in class.… (mer)