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Ordinary People Change the World
I am Abraham Lincoln
We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this lively, collectible picture book biography series from New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer.
“Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it,” Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography – for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. For example, Abraham Lincoln always spoke up about fairness, and thus he led the country to abolish slavery. This book follows him from childhood to the presidency, including the Civil War and his legendary Gettysburg Address.
This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, and to inspire them to strive and dream.
“Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it,” Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography – for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. For example, Abraham Lincoln always spoke up about fairness, and thus he led the country to abolish slavery. This book follows him from childhood to the presidency, including the Civil War and his legendary Gettysburg Address.
This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, and to inspire them to strive and dream.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
40 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
319 books7,311 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
November 18, 2019
Facts we learned from this book.
1. Abe does not like bullying.
2. In childhood, Neighbor boys put hot coals on a turtle’s back and Abe, younger, made the boys stop hurting the turtle.
3. He would practice writing on the dirt and trees with chalk (I’ve never heard that.)
4. He loved to read with his feet up the trunk of a tree and his back on the ground. I’ve never tried that and I should.
The niece asked to read this one for herself. Of course. She loves these little books. She told me it was a worthy book in the series and she gave it 4 stars.
The nephew let me read it to him and he likes this series too. There is something about seeing a little kid go through their whole life that is powerful. All these adults are around him and he still looks like the kid on the cover. The nephew was upset about the turtle being hurt. He didn’t like that. He gave this book a solid 3 stars.
1. Abe does not like bullying.
2. In childhood, Neighbor boys put hot coals on a turtle’s back and Abe, younger, made the boys stop hurting the turtle.
3. He would practice writing on the dirt and trees with chalk (I’ve never heard that.)
4. He loved to read with his feet up the trunk of a tree and his back on the ground. I’ve never tried that and I should.
The niece asked to read this one for herself. Of course. She loves these little books. She told me it was a worthy book in the series and she gave it 4 stars.
The nephew let me read it to him and he likes this series too. There is something about seeing a little kid go through their whole life that is powerful. All these adults are around him and he still looks like the kid on the cover. The nephew was upset about the turtle being hurt. He didn’t like that. He gave this book a solid 3 stars.
September 18, 2023
This was a difficult one for me to rate.
While I think that this will be an enjoyable read for younger readers, I have some issues with the way in which Lincoln is portrayed. In recent years, it’s become more widespread information that Lincoln is not necessarily the hero that everyone makes him out to be in direct connection to slavery and the Civil War. It has been noted that Lincoln was a separatist and battled with his own racism, and often believed that black and white people could not effectively live together. So what we see in this adaptation of Lincoln’s life is a picture of perfect representation of his thoughts on slavery, and ending slavery in the Civil War. I think that it does contain some great information, especially when it comes to bullying and standing up for other people and standing up for what is right. However, I think that kids do deserve a more realistic perspective of Lincoln. This doesn’t take away from the great work that he did achieve in his life and while in office however, I think it’s time for kids to get more balanced and realistic perspectives of these famous individuals and liters in the United States.
Overall, this was a solid read. I think the year in which it was published does speak to why a lot of specific information was included. But as always, I thought the artwork was amazing and this is definitely another addition to the series that will catch the eyes of a lot of younger readers.
While I think that this will be an enjoyable read for younger readers, I have some issues with the way in which Lincoln is portrayed. In recent years, it’s become more widespread information that Lincoln is not necessarily the hero that everyone makes him out to be in direct connection to slavery and the Civil War. It has been noted that Lincoln was a separatist and battled with his own racism, and often believed that black and white people could not effectively live together. So what we see in this adaptation of Lincoln’s life is a picture of perfect representation of his thoughts on slavery, and ending slavery in the Civil War. I think that it does contain some great information, especially when it comes to bullying and standing up for other people and standing up for what is right. However, I think that kids do deserve a more realistic perspective of Lincoln. This doesn’t take away from the great work that he did achieve in his life and while in office however, I think it’s time for kids to get more balanced and realistic perspectives of these famous individuals and liters in the United States.
Overall, this was a solid read. I think the year in which it was published does speak to why a lot of specific information was included. But as always, I thought the artwork was amazing and this is definitely another addition to the series that will catch the eyes of a lot of younger readers.
December 8, 2015
The Common Core (the federal guiding hand on American classrooms) emphasizes non-fiction over fiction (too frivolous, those made-up stories!), so this has opened up opportunities for creative nonfiction, memoirs. Brad Meltzer is clearly on, doing a lot of these now that have been making their way from the libraries to my house. I really like the writing of Brad Meltzer and the illustrations of Chris Eliopoulos generally. I picked this one up to review it because I am interested in the ways books influence how we learn about famous people in the early years.
I used to read biographies of Davey Crockett, Billy the Kid, sports stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb. Civil rights stories such as ones about Rosa Parks. The painful hero worship of the monster Columbus that continues in this country. Racism, drunkenness, all complications erased. Rosa Parks is depicted sas this simple little old lady who was tired and refused to give up her seat, but she was well trained at the Highlander School by Martin Luther King and Myles Horton in the ways of non-violent resistance. And so on. You get simplified stories. Hero-making-machines for the young. Of course, these books are for early readers, and they are short, so why go into all that darker material. You wouldn't, maybe, if you knew you had to tell a story in a very few words.
So I have read as many of us have about a richer, more complex Lincoln in recent years, one about his battling mental illness, one who struggled with his own racism, who had doubts himself initially about ending slavery, which was sort of "common sense" in this country for a long time, hardly questioned. What you get here is typical Lincoln hero worship (and I am a couple hours from Springfield, Illinois, the Lincoln museum, so we know out Lincoln Worship here). I am not saying he wasn't a good and interesting guy He was one of our best presidents, in my opinion, very smart, complex, admirable in almost every way, as far as I know. But there is a picture of him arm in arm with blacks and whites in a kind of peace march over ending slavery, and it is a little unsettling to me how happy and simple it appears.
Other are bothered by the historical fiction aspects of it, but not me. I like the running penny gag where he tells people as a kid that he is going to be on a penny. "What's a penny?" a kid asks. This kind of thing lightens up a potentially drab bio! Let it go that Meltzer imagines Lincoln saying things. Don't all biographies cheat in similar ways? I thought this was okay, on balance, it is a pretty good second or third grade first book on Lincoln. The art is attractive, and my kids liked it.
I used to read biographies of Davey Crockett, Billy the Kid, sports stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb. Civil rights stories such as ones about Rosa Parks. The painful hero worship of the monster Columbus that continues in this country. Racism, drunkenness, all complications erased. Rosa Parks is depicted sas this simple little old lady who was tired and refused to give up her seat, but she was well trained at the Highlander School by Martin Luther King and Myles Horton in the ways of non-violent resistance. And so on. You get simplified stories. Hero-making-machines for the young. Of course, these books are for early readers, and they are short, so why go into all that darker material. You wouldn't, maybe, if you knew you had to tell a story in a very few words.
So I have read as many of us have about a richer, more complex Lincoln in recent years, one about his battling mental illness, one who struggled with his own racism, who had doubts himself initially about ending slavery, which was sort of "common sense" in this country for a long time, hardly questioned. What you get here is typical Lincoln hero worship (and I am a couple hours from Springfield, Illinois, the Lincoln museum, so we know out Lincoln Worship here). I am not saying he wasn't a good and interesting guy He was one of our best presidents, in my opinion, very smart, complex, admirable in almost every way, as far as I know. But there is a picture of him arm in arm with blacks and whites in a kind of peace march over ending slavery, and it is a little unsettling to me how happy and simple it appears.
Other are bothered by the historical fiction aspects of it, but not me. I like the running penny gag where he tells people as a kid that he is going to be on a penny. "What's a penny?" a kid asks. This kind of thing lightens up a potentially drab bio! Let it go that Meltzer imagines Lincoln saying things. Don't all biographies cheat in similar ways? I thought this was okay, on balance, it is a pretty good second or third grade first book on Lincoln. The art is attractive, and my kids liked it.
November 3, 2016
Another great book in the series! I think it's a fantastic way to introduce children to historical figures in a fun and entertaining way!
February 29, 2020
Awesome intro on his life as a boy, but it completely glossed over his accomplishments as a president. Cmon man, use big words! Kids aren’t too young to know about the Emancipation Proclamation. Like the Einstein book, then ending was rushed. Why can’t all these books be as good as the MLK one? (The MLK book is hands down 10 Stars. Why can’t they all be totes amaze-balls?)
January 6, 2020
I like the message of using your voice and how people will remember you when you fight for what's right. The little things (like being on the penny) thrown into the illustrations was cute.
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April 8, 2025Galen read on April 8, 2025.
January 20, 2017
PreK-4 School Library Media Specialist reviewing here.
The "Ordinary People Changed the World" series by Brad Meltzer (illustrated in Peanuts-esque cartoons by Christopher Eliopoulos) fills a certain niche. These books are *not* for your fact-finder students doing biography reports, as there are very few dates or basic biographical information included in the books. There are a few (about 3-4) photographs of the subject on the back 2 pages of the book along with captions.
I read these aloud to my 4- and 5-year-old sons, who enjoy them. I like them for reading aloud to younger children, as the books take a broad view of the person's achievements and point out the "why they are famous" and the "why they should be respected" - these people achieved because of strength of character. The author points out a childhood incident that reflects the person's character, and then details their achievements as an adult. (In the case of Abraham Lincoln, he stood up to kids hurting a turtle with hot coals, then stood up for slaves in the Civil War. In the case of Amelia Earhart, she built a roller coaster in her backyard, then worked hard to overcome her lack of aviation talent to break records. In the Rosa Parks book, she stood up to a white boy who pushes her, then stands up to the bus driver.)
One small issue I have with the books is the choice the illustrator makes with the main characters. He chooses to draw them "tiny"/ "short" even at adult ages, even while the other adults are drawn full height. And in the Abraham Lincoln book, there is further confusion, because he is drawn as a short person in a suit, beard, and top hat the entire time (even as a child). In Rosa Parks / Amelia Earhart, he changes their appearance a bit from childhood to adulthood, but they still remain "tiny." I don't know if this was necessary.
For a brief classroom overview of a person's life and the answer to the question, "Why do they matter?," these books are unparalleled.
The "Ordinary People Changed the World" series by Brad Meltzer (illustrated in Peanuts-esque cartoons by Christopher Eliopoulos) fills a certain niche. These books are *not* for your fact-finder students doing biography reports, as there are very few dates or basic biographical information included in the books. There are a few (about 3-4) photographs of the subject on the back 2 pages of the book along with captions.
I read these aloud to my 4- and 5-year-old sons, who enjoy them. I like them for reading aloud to younger children, as the books take a broad view of the person's achievements and point out the "why they are famous" and the "why they should be respected" - these people achieved because of strength of character. The author points out a childhood incident that reflects the person's character, and then details their achievements as an adult. (In the case of Abraham Lincoln, he stood up to kids hurting a turtle with hot coals, then stood up for slaves in the Civil War. In the case of Amelia Earhart, she built a roller coaster in her backyard, then worked hard to overcome her lack of aviation talent to break records. In the Rosa Parks book, she stood up to a white boy who pushes her, then stands up to the bus driver.)
One small issue I have with the books is the choice the illustrator makes with the main characters. He chooses to draw them "tiny"/ "short" even at adult ages, even while the other adults are drawn full height. And in the Abraham Lincoln book, there is further confusion, because he is drawn as a short person in a suit, beard, and top hat the entire time (even as a child). In Rosa Parks / Amelia Earhart, he changes their appearance a bit from childhood to adulthood, but they still remain "tiny." I don't know if this was necessary.
For a brief classroom overview of a person's life and the answer to the question, "Why do they matter?," these books are unparalleled.
September 7, 2015
I am Abraham Lincoln is one of the books in Brad Meltzer’s book series Ordinary People Change the World. This series is targeted towards younger readers (K-3) and is an incredible way to introduce biographical reading to young children. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Even though its target audience is young children, it has a lot of subtle humor adults will enjoy, such as the running joke where Abraham Lincoln keeps telling people he is going to be on the penny one day and everyone asks what is a penny! This book follows Lincoln from a young child in Indiana to becoming President of the United States and the Civil War. It discusses the themes of right and wrong, standing up to bullies, individual character, never giving up, overcoming adversity, and inner strength. Children will learn about historical topics such as presidents, slavery, the Civil War, the Gettysburg Address, and the Lincoln Memorial in a simplistic, high-level way that is easy to grasp the basic knowledge of. I was also pleased to see some real historic photos of Abraham Lincoln included in the end of the book. This is a must have for any classroom library.
October 14, 2016
I chose to put this book on my favorites shelf because it is a great way to introduce one of our greatest presidents through a fun and colorful biography. This book is a short read with a great amount of information about Abraham Lincoln. This book takes you through Lincoln's child and adult years as he grows and experiences many heart breaking moments that dealt with the mistreatment of colored individuals. His message speaks to the heart and can help children understand the importance of treating people, animals and the Earth fairly. This book would be great for students that are in the Intermediate grades.
Genre: Narrative/Picture book/Biography
This book would be great for my future classroom. I'd like to collect all of Brad Meltzer's biography books. I would like to collect his other books as well, enough for each of my students, and teach them about biographies. On a bookshelf, in the reading corner, I would like this book to be placed in a bin labeled "Biographies" that my student can read during silent reading periods.
Genre: Narrative/Picture book/Biography
This book would be great for my future classroom. I'd like to collect all of Brad Meltzer's biography books. I would like to collect his other books as well, enough for each of my students, and teach them about biographies. On a bookshelf, in the reading corner, I would like this book to be placed in a bin labeled "Biographies" that my student can read during silent reading periods.
March 27, 2014
Good introduction to Abraham Lincoln for very young readers. Written in narrative format, it will hold young readers attention. However, lack of any nonfiction features makes it sound more like a story than a useful tool for obtaining information. I think I will like Meltzer's new series for very young children, but would quickly move them to something else when wanting to obtain more facts or use a more reliable informational source. I liked the photographs in the back depicting Abraham Lincoln's life, but there were no additional sources mentioned or notes on how the author obtained his information.
October 28, 2021
This was a really great picture book biography that covers Abraham Lincoln's life. In this short biography, young learners can learn so much about our previous president. This book really puts non-fiction books in a new light, as it is so appealing and easy to read. The book was filled with information about Lincoln in a fun and entertaining way.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the colorful illustrations that helped to draw me in. I really liked how we can see real pictures of Lincoln at the end of the book as well, I think students would like to view historical pictures. Overall, this book was kid-friendly and would serve as a great introduction to Abraham Lincoln.
This is definitely a book that belongs in a classroom. The only thing I want to say is that I wish the book mentioned more about his accomplishments as a United States president.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the colorful illustrations that helped to draw me in. I really liked how we can see real pictures of Lincoln at the end of the book as well, I think students would like to view historical pictures. Overall, this book was kid-friendly and would serve as a great introduction to Abraham Lincoln.
This is definitely a book that belongs in a classroom. The only thing I want to say is that I wish the book mentioned more about his accomplishments as a United States president.
February 18, 2019
"I am Abraham Lincoln" is a biography about Abraham Lincoln. I would use this book for grades 3-4 during a social studies unit. I chose to review this book because Abraham Lincoln is my favorite presidents to study! My favorite history subject is The Civil War and the leading up to the Emancipation Proclamation. So for me, this book is such a WOW for elementary aged students! I love how it briefly talked about Abraham Lincoln's childhood and what led him to want to be president one day. For me, the real "turning point" of the story was when Lincoln saw the slaves that were on the boat. This biography made it very clear that this is what pushed him to become an agent of change!
I would use this book for a history unit in my classroom. Specifically, I would use this while studying The Civil War. Lincoln is a huge aspect of The Civil War, and I would read this book as a read aloud to my students. For an activity, I would potentially have students make inferences about what they think Lincoln would change about America. I would ask students to infer this after reading the page about seeing the slaves on the boat. For another activity, I would have students make a K-W-L chart before I read them the book. Since Abraham Lincoln is a very known president, I want to know what the students already know (or think they know) about the past president, and find out what they want to know about him. After reading, we would fill in the "Learned" column together as a class to review the book.
This book is a WOW book to me because it talks in such a "kid-friendly" language about my favorite unit in history! I believe this book is such a good read for students who either love or don't love history. There is also such a great message that this book pushes: "We can all be heroes" WOW!
I would use this book for a history unit in my classroom. Specifically, I would use this while studying The Civil War. Lincoln is a huge aspect of The Civil War, and I would read this book as a read aloud to my students. For an activity, I would potentially have students make inferences about what they think Lincoln would change about America. I would ask students to infer this after reading the page about seeing the slaves on the boat. For another activity, I would have students make a K-W-L chart before I read them the book. Since Abraham Lincoln is a very known president, I want to know what the students already know (or think they know) about the past president, and find out what they want to know about him. After reading, we would fill in the "Learned" column together as a class to review the book.
This book is a WOW book to me because it talks in such a "kid-friendly" language about my favorite unit in history! I believe this book is such a good read for students who either love or don't love history. There is also such a great message that this book pushes: "We can all be heroes" WOW!
February 26, 2018
I am Abraham Lincoln in an amazing biography that emphasizes the important actions Lincoln took before and during his presidency. This book should definitely be used for 3rd grade, as the text is too simplistic for 4th and 5th grade levels. There are plenty of great ways to implement this into the classroom when creating an integrated Literacy/History lesson! One way would be to use this book as an introduction into a lesson about the Civil Rights movement, or before reading/reviewing the Gettysburg Address. This could also be a great comparison lesson for what Lincoln did as President compared to another President, and create a chart for them to learn about significant historical accomplishments for both. Overall, this is a WOW book due to the historical context as well as the lesson that it is important to help those in need and to stick up for what you believe to be right. This book connects historical figures to students by creating themes and lessons that the students can learn from, and feel this is very beneficial to use in the classroom!
June 9, 2022
The curious portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as a bearded child wearing a black suit and a stovepipe hat is as ridiculous as this dumbed-down version of this great man’s life and legacy.
October 21, 2020
Another strong installment from the series. And this one actually touches on some of the "not so good" stuff about Lincoln.
February 20, 2022
I am having a hard time reviewing these. It is confusing that a cold has a beard, and doesn't age.
April 18, 2020
Text-to-Text Connection
Abraham Lincoln has been a source of a wealth of literature, both for children and adults. This book by Brad Meltzer follows Lincoln throughout his life and is written in first person as if Lincoln is telling the story himself. The book does a good job of keeping the story simple with fun illustrations that will keep the interest of young students. The line about "I'm going to be on a penny" only to have the other person say "what's a penny" is funny and kids will probably enjoy the humor in both the text and pictures.
Along the same lines as this book is "Abe Lincoln Remembers" by Ann Turner. Turner's book also follows the life of Lincoln from a first person perspective and keeps the story simple for young readers. Both books tell me of the same stories with only slight variations from each other. The Turner book's illustrations are more artistic, but will probably not keep younger students attention as much as the more playful Meltzer pictures. Both books are excellent introductions to Abraham Lincoln for young students and would make nice complementary books in a classroom library.
Abraham Lincoln has been a source of a wealth of literature, both for children and adults. This book by Brad Meltzer follows Lincoln throughout his life and is written in first person as if Lincoln is telling the story himself. The book does a good job of keeping the story simple with fun illustrations that will keep the interest of young students. The line about "I'm going to be on a penny" only to have the other person say "what's a penny" is funny and kids will probably enjoy the humor in both the text and pictures.
Along the same lines as this book is "Abe Lincoln Remembers" by Ann Turner. Turner's book also follows the life of Lincoln from a first person perspective and keeps the story simple for young readers. Both books tell me of the same stories with only slight variations from each other. The Turner book's illustrations are more artistic, but will probably not keep younger students attention as much as the more playful Meltzer pictures. Both books are excellent introductions to Abraham Lincoln for young students and would make nice complementary books in a classroom library.
October 31, 2019
My little one chose this from his bookshelf to read to me for his after school reading time today. It is a great kid-friendly book that is engaging and loaded with stories from Abraham Lincoln’s life. It has both text and speech bubbles that are well used so even a child knows which order to read things in. There is a cute joke that reappears a few times about Lincoln being on the penny. This is a great book with well chosen stories to highlight Lincoln’s strength of character and dedication to fighting for what’s right. I love the childhood story of Lincoln stopping other children from putting hot coals on turtle’s backs to see what would happen. An excellent book!
December 4, 2018
It is perhaps unfair to judge a book clearly aimed at children by the standards of someone who has read dozens of books about Abraham Lincoln [1]. Yet we come into a book with our experience and background, and that is true for me even when I am reading books for kids. What obligation do we have to tell children the truth, if not all of the gory details than at least enough for children to investigate for themselves? Is it important to see Lincoln's struggle with melancholy, what the current age would view as depression, in light of his own sorrows as well as the crushing burden of the Civil War? Is it important to note that the Civil war was not ended in a passive or negotiated sense but by the brutal exercise of coercion against a wicked and evil rebellion? Is it important to think about Lincoln's death and the relationship between his martyrdom and its resonance with Judeo-Christian scripture? I think the answer is yes to these questions, and yet while the author is long on jokes about the penny, these are not issues the author addresses at all, and this book is far the worse for it.
For the most part, this book tells a very straightforward narrative of the subject's life, beginning with his life in the frontier and its absence of formal schooling and the way that he was considered lazy for preferring reading to work, something a lot of children (and some adults) will be able to identify with. The author talks about Lincoln's trip where he saw enslaved blacks being shipped down the river, and his struggle against the bullies of New Salem as a new arrival, but while the author talks about lost elections, there are huge gaps in the story of Lincoln's life that are not discussed. His friendship and partnership with Hearndon, his time as a member of the House of Representatives, his work as a political hack for the Whigs, his legal career, his awkward courtships and family life, none of this is covered at all. Three times Lincoln jokes about being on the penny, but the author cannot bother to cover his long career of political speeches, the fact that he is the only president with a patent, his time in the Black Hawk War, his service on the eighth circuit taking dramatic and important legal cases, or anything else of that nature.
And it is these gaps that make this book somewhat troublesome. A man who struggled thoughtfully with racism and its existence in the United States and its repercussions and consequences is viewed as a plaster saint of contemporary racial views. A man who struggled with faith does not have the biblical heritage of his life and death examined at all here. A man who struggled with intimacy and relationships and serious mental health issues is viewed as a cheery person without a care at all, even in the face of the Civil War. It is not only that the author chooses to leave out aspects of a complicated but obviously heroic life, but that the author misrepresents Abraham Lincoln in a way that fails to inspire people as well as it could. If children knew the struggle with poverty as a child, the use of education as a way out of that poverty to a comfortable lifestyle as an adult, and his own wrestling with questions of faith and justice and mental health, many more people could be inspired by Lincoln's life rather than simply seeing him as the face on the penny.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/tag/...
For the most part, this book tells a very straightforward narrative of the subject's life, beginning with his life in the frontier and its absence of formal schooling and the way that he was considered lazy for preferring reading to work, something a lot of children (and some adults) will be able to identify with. The author talks about Lincoln's trip where he saw enslaved blacks being shipped down the river, and his struggle against the bullies of New Salem as a new arrival, but while the author talks about lost elections, there are huge gaps in the story of Lincoln's life that are not discussed. His friendship and partnership with Hearndon, his time as a member of the House of Representatives, his work as a political hack for the Whigs, his legal career, his awkward courtships and family life, none of this is covered at all. Three times Lincoln jokes about being on the penny, but the author cannot bother to cover his long career of political speeches, the fact that he is the only president with a patent, his time in the Black Hawk War, his service on the eighth circuit taking dramatic and important legal cases, or anything else of that nature.
And it is these gaps that make this book somewhat troublesome. A man who struggled thoughtfully with racism and its existence in the United States and its repercussions and consequences is viewed as a plaster saint of contemporary racial views. A man who struggled with faith does not have the biblical heritage of his life and death examined at all here. A man who struggled with intimacy and relationships and serious mental health issues is viewed as a cheery person without a care at all, even in the face of the Civil War. It is not only that the author chooses to leave out aspects of a complicated but obviously heroic life, but that the author misrepresents Abraham Lincoln in a way that fails to inspire people as well as it could. If children knew the struggle with poverty as a child, the use of education as a way out of that poverty to a comfortable lifestyle as an adult, and his own wrestling with questions of faith and justice and mental health, many more people could be inspired by Lincoln's life rather than simply seeing him as the face on the penny.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/tag/...
June 19, 2017
I cannot rave enough about this series of books. My (then) 6 year old son was given I am Albert Einstein last year, and he was instantly enchanted with the man, seeking out more and more information about him and recognizing some of the struggles Einstein faced as being similar to his own experiences with bullies and schools.
After such a positive (educational and emotional) experience with that one, we picked up I am Rosa Parks a few weeks ago. And amazingly, the same thing happened! Meltzer must really understand kids, because he creates books that they not only LOVE, but that explain complex cultural and social ideas (and hugely embarrassing moments in US history), and break them down in a way that is clear to small children but that does not sugar coat or try to justify/explain.
I seriously cannot say enough wonderful things about this series. We just got I am Abraham Lincoln yesterday and already my kid is dying to learn more about the 16th president!
This series is remarkable and should be on every grade school's curriculum!!!
After such a positive (educational and emotional) experience with that one, we picked up I am Rosa Parks a few weeks ago. And amazingly, the same thing happened! Meltzer must really understand kids, because he creates books that they not only LOVE, but that explain complex cultural and social ideas (and hugely embarrassing moments in US history), and break them down in a way that is clear to small children but that does not sugar coat or try to justify/explain.
I seriously cannot say enough wonderful things about this series. We just got I am Abraham Lincoln yesterday and already my kid is dying to learn more about the 16th president!
This series is remarkable and should be on every grade school's curriculum!!!
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August 11, 2016'Ordinary People Change the World' is a lovely tagline and these charming, quirky books are quite attractive. But I can't get over that these are cataloged as nonfiction texts and include inauthentic and clearly made up speech bubbles and asides from historical figures. There are no attributions or sources and I believe that it will be nearly impossible for students to discern which quotes are actually authentic.
I really truly love the message of these books. But since they are cataloged and to be shared with children as nonfiction materials, I just can't get over the lack of authority and accuracy. (I'm feeling very stick-in-the-mud right now. Bah!) A lovely purchase for a child's personal collection of books but one that I will be skipping for my own elementary school media center.
I really truly love the message of these books. But since they are cataloged and to be shared with children as nonfiction materials, I just can't get over the lack of authority and accuracy. (I'm feeling very stick-in-the-mud right now. Bah!) A lovely purchase for a child's personal collection of books but one that I will be skipping for my own elementary school media center.
March 31, 2018
I’ve seen this series all over the place, and was really excited to read this. I thought the text was great - Meltzer really knows his history, and I like that it’s a mix of common and uncommon knowledge - great as an introduction to Lincoln but also for someone who’s familiar with him.
The illustrations themselves were great. However, I didn’t care for the layout. I felt like it was really fighting between being a picture book and a graphic novel. The typography was all over the place - it flipped back and forth between black and white text which made it hard to read, plus the different type style in the word bubbles just overwhelmed the page.
I enjoyed reading this, but I’m not quite so excited by this series after reading this one.
The illustrations themselves were great. However, I didn’t care for the layout. I felt like it was really fighting between being a picture book and a graphic novel. The typography was all over the place - it flipped back and forth between black and white text which made it hard to read, plus the different type style in the word bubbles just overwhelmed the page.
I enjoyed reading this, but I’m not quite so excited by this series after reading this one.
November 4, 2017
Another fantastic read from Brad Meltzer. Having read many adult biographies on Abraham Lincoln, this children's geared take on the much revered 16th President provides a fresh and unique perspective. Choosing a few incidents from Lincoln's youth, Meltzer does what he does best in this series...he informs children how the moral fiber of greatness begins in childhood.
I've yet to read a book in the 'I am' children series that fails to meet up the standard of excellence I've come to expect and love from Brad Meltzer.
I've yet to read a book in the 'I am' children series that fails to meet up the standard of excellence I've come to expect and love from Brad Meltzer.
January 1, 2018
I suppose Meltzer did the best he could to condense the complexity of Lincoln mythology and fact into the limited framework of his “I am” series. He focuses on Lincoln’s “fighting side” to support the general mythology of Lincoln’s willingness to stand up for what is right. In doing so, Meltzer glosses over the Civil War when he could have given more attention to the Emancipation Proclamation without needing to completely ignore the Civil War.
June 30, 2021
Excellent story of Lincoln’s character and development
I purchased this e-book for an ELA lesson on character traits for my 3rd grade class. This is a fantastic way to explore what makes up someone’s character, as well as to expand on Lincoln as a historical figure for children. I learned some things even as a teacher! I hope to collect all of Brad Meltzer’s awesome “Ordinary People Change the World” books.
I purchased this e-book for an ELA lesson on character traits for my 3rd grade class. This is a fantastic way to explore what makes up someone’s character, as well as to expand on Lincoln as a historical figure for children. I learned some things even as a teacher! I hope to collect all of Brad Meltzer’s awesome “Ordinary People Change the World” books.
February 18, 2016
"Sometimes, the hardest fights don't reveal a winner, but they do reveal character. Especially when you're fighting for something you believe in."
Abraham Lincoln's story is one fantastic read. There are so many powerful messages within it that readers can apply to their own lives.......
Read my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2016/0...
Abraham Lincoln's story is one fantastic read. There are so many powerful messages within it that readers can apply to their own lives.......
Read my FULL REVIEW here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2016/0...
July 17, 2017
I saw this book at the Lincoln Memorial so ordered a copy for my son when I returned home. I read it yesterday and cried while reading it, moved by its story of compassion, kindness, and justice.
When I ordered I discovered that it is one of an entire series, and so I ordered two more and will probably order even more of them.
When I ordered I discovered that it is one of an entire series, and so I ordered two more and will probably order even more of them.
April 1, 2017
Inauguration Day.
October 31, 2018
I like Abraham Lincoln is one of my favorite presidents so I learned a little bit of something new
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