The book is intended for readers in upper elementary or middle school. It is a journey through Lincoln's life. He had an interesting and sometimes tough life, but throughout it all stayed positive and looked for the good in people. The book details his life growing up in Kentucky and Indiana, his hard work ethic on the farm that eventually led him to be a congressman, and then a lawyer. We learn about his family life, his wife Mary, and there children. We learn that Lincoln gets more and more interested in politics, and finally runs for president.
Lincoln wins and almost immediately the Civil War begins. He has to deal with the war, the loss of two sons, and a nation divided. Through it all, Lincoln makes time to meet people, listen to them, and give great speeches! Eventually, the war ends and Lincoln accepts the South back into the nation without question or consequence. Once everything is settled down, Mary and he attend a play at Ford's theater one night, and Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. He dies the next morning.
The nation has lost an amazing president; one that has changed the country forever. It is all because of his great love for America. Love was also present in the book through Mary & Abraham's marriage. They weathered so much; the loss of two of their children, wars, death threats, and being the president.
The second book I choose was a book on George Washington and his life. George Washington was our first president, but didn't start out wanting to be that person. Washington had a normal upbringing in Virginia working on the farm and learning about shooting guns. He eventually joined the army to fight for freedom against the British, and did well, becoming a Major. He married a lovely widow, named Martha, who came with two children. Martha and George settled in Mount Vernon with their family and slaves. Life was good.
Washington was called on again to lead the army to fight against Britain, and finally won their freedom. Washington happily went back to Mt. Vernon to be with Martha and the kids. Several months later, he was called on to become president of America. Delegates in Philadelphia had decided that while they were writing a constitution, they needed someone to be head of the country, like a king. Washington said no to being the king (he feared becoming like Britain), but said yes to being president.
Washington became our first president ever of America, starting in New York (the first capital), moving to Philadelphia (the second capital), and serving out two terms of the presidency. The delegates wanted him to run for a third term, but George said no, he wanted more time with his family, and he was getting older.
Washington lived out the rest of his life at Mt. Vernon with Martha and their daughter (their son had died while he was president). Washington is known as the "father of our country" because he was the first president.
This is a picture book that was painted with oil paints, and intended for all age of elementary students. I choose this book because once again, another president shows his love for his nation. Washington gives everything he can to becoming the first president and making the country a better place. It just shows how much love he has for America. Love is also present between George and Martha, and Martha's children.
Great books for students to read! Educational, yet interesting. Plus everyone should know what great presidents Lincoln and Washington were.
Giblin, J.C. (1992). George Washington: A Picture Book Biography. New York: Scholastic Inc.
Sullivan, G. (2000). In Their Own Words: Abraham Lincoln. New York: Scholastic Inc.
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