The very tall Abraham Lincoln started out farming with his father. He did not go to school much as a child, but he learned what he needed to. He could read, write, and do some math and that is what mattered most. He later signed the Emancipation Proclamation and it declared all slaves free. Different parts did skip around, one moment he asked someone to bring his coat somewhere and the next he is the president. ( )

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. ( )

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.

This is the story of Abraham Lincoln. I really enjoyed this book because it focused from the time Abraham Lincoln to the time of his assassination. Most books only focus on the time he was president. Students can learn new facts about the sixteenth president. There is a useful timeline at the end of the book. This is a good source to use in a social studies class. ( )

Summary:
This biography about Abraham Lincoln starts off with when he was born on a cornhusk mattress in Kentucky. It says ever since he was a baby he was big boy so it's no wonder he grew into such a tall man. He grew up farming and chopping down trees to help provide for his family rather than going to school full time. He taught himself to read and write and do arithmetic. When he was twenty-one he set off to a new town studying, being a soldier, delivery mail, and many other jobs. He got into politics and after being in a couple of elections he actually won. He was also a lawyer at the time. He married Mary Todd they had four boys. He became president. He was known for making great speeches and signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery. He was a very tired man. He was shot at a theater while watching a play and died a few hours later.

Personal Reaction:
I really liked this biography because Lincoln was my favorite president so its nice to know some of the other things he did in his life. I find it very admirable that he taught himself and made it to where he did in life.

Classroom Extensions Ideas:
1. This would obviously make for a great historical lesson on the times and Lincolns Presidency.
2. This would be a great story on persevering and that students can do anything they set their minds too.