DK Readers: Abraham Lincoln -- Lawyer, Leader, Legend

by Justine Korman Fontes

This biography of one of the most famous and recognizable American presidents mark DK's commitment to bringing US history-based biographies to the DK Readers series. In Abraham Lincoln, readers will find out about our sixteenth president's humble beginnings, his career as a lawyer, his marriage and family life, and his presidency during the Civil War. The 48-page Level 3 books, designed for children who can read on their own, contain more complex sentence structure and more detail. Young readers will devour these kid-friendly titles, which cover high-interest topics such as sharks, and the Bermuda Triangle, as well as classics like Aladdin. Information boxes highlight historical references, trivia, pronunciation, and other facts about words and names mentioned. Averaging 2,400 to 2,800 words, these books offer a 50/50 picture-to-text ratio. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4.

Genres: History, Biography, Childrens, Picture Books, American History, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 17, 2001

About the author

Justine Korman is the author of over 600 children's books, including mega-selling adaptations of Disney hits like THE LION KING, plus her original popular GRUMPY BUNNY series for Scholastic.

Justine has been writing all her life. She worked part-time in publishing while earning her B.A. in English Literature, Phi Beta Kappa from New York University. While an editorial assistant at Golden Books, she met her future husband and partner, Ron Fontes, an artist in the Whitman Comics department, who moved on to mighty Marvel Comics.

When Justine started getting freelance writing assignments, Ron pitched in and a children's book writing team was born! Ron brought visual storytelling, theatre, and history; Justine enthusiasm, humor, and a straight-A attitude.

In 1988, the couple moved to Maine, where they have written everything from beginning readers and novelty books to historical fiction and graphic novels.
Justine's hobbies include fitness, juggling, gardening, cooking, and playing the ukulele. She also enjoys making movies with Ron.

The prolific couple's goal is to write 1001 children's books.

Reviews

[Grace Bolin]

'Abraham Lincoln Lawyer, Leader, Legend' would be appropriate for 2nd through 4th grade students to read. It is an introductory chapter book with pictures that tells the life of Lincoln as a narrative. It tells about his entire life journey, from boyhood to death and his lasting legacy, and his influence in abolishing slavery in the U.S. This book would be useful for students to read independently, at their own pace. It could be used to write an essay or do a project or presentation on the life of Lincoln that could be shared with the rest of the class. This book could be read during a unit about U.S. presidents or during a slavery unit or Black History Month.

[Samantha]

This was a dry read, but could probably be read by second to third graders if doing research. Was very interested in reading biographies of presidents. Could use this if teaching a unit on presidents or the Civil War.

[John]

This book is an average children's biography of Lincoln. It addresses his youth, self eduction, and his involvement in state and federal politics. While better books exist, this is an accurate book.

[Alliecat50]

Very thorough biography of Lincoln for advanced readers. Exactly what you would expect from a DK book.