A Biography Book for New Readers
The Story of Abraham Lincoln: A Biography Book for New Readers is an introduction to the sixteenth president for early readers. With a timeline running throughout, this illustrated chapter book highlights the notable events of Abraham Lincoln’s life.
Although simplified for the younger audience, the book touches on the Civil War, slavery, and Lincoln’s assassination. As an introductory biography, The Story of Abraham Lincoln has plenty of eye-catching illustrations, short chapters, and a glossary. I like the inclusion of a ‘challenge’ section at the end for reading comprehension practice.
Abe Lincoln the Person
Lincoln’s personal struggles are mentioned in the story, and these details help to make him seem more like a real person. He and his father didn’t have much in common, and he and his wife had their struggles. Lincoln also grappled with hard decisions he had to make as president.
Because many events in American history are more appropriate for older learners, the book simplifies the full scope of the issues of slavery and the Civil War.
Abraham sent help. He hoped when South Carolina saw he wasn’t going to back down, they would return to the Union. Instead, Confederate soldiers shot at the men delivering supplies to the fort. Abraham couldn’t avoid war any longer. Those shots started the Civil War.
p. 34
There is a wonderful chapter at the end, which explains the impact Lincoln had on out world and connects that impact to our lives today. Readers are able to see how decisions president Lincoln made led to the creation of “the idea of ‘The American Dream.'”
For kids who enjoy non-fiction, young elementary ages, and ESL students, this book is a solid introduction to President Lincoln’s legacy. For older struggling readers, the factual information is too simplified, and books like those in the “Who Was…” series would be a better fit.




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