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Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books
Learn about the early life of Abraham Lincoln in this picture book biography that Kirkus Reviews calls “a moving tribute to the power of books and words.”
In a tiny log cabin a boy listened with delight to the storytelling of his ma and pa. He traced letters in sand, snow, and dust. He borrowed books and walked miles to bring them back.
When he grew up, he became the sixteenth president of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln.
He loved books.
They changed his life.
He changed the world.
In a tiny log cabin a boy listened with delight to the storytelling of his ma and pa. He traced letters in sand, snow, and dust. He borrowed books and walked miles to bring them back.
When he grew up, he became the sixteenth president of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln.
He loved books.
They changed his life.
He changed the world.
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Kay Winters
37 books5 followersKay Winters, a former teacher and language arts consultant, is now devoting herself to writing for children full-time. Kay is the author of a number of children's books, including Whooo's Haunting The Teeny Tiny Ghost?, also illustrated by Lynn Munsinger; Did You See What I Saw?: Poems about School, illustrated by Martha Weston; and Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter.Kay lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Earl. Her favorite Halloween costume is Little Red Riding Hood -- she still has a long red cape and a basket!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
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July 8, 2024June 2024:
I don’t normally review picture books but wow my students love this one. I’ve been reading it a couple of pages at a time before they go home and something about it completely enraptures their attention. A very friendly book for children to experience a tough story and imagine a world where there are no cars and screens and children work in the field.
I don’t normally review picture books but wow my students love this one. I’ve been reading it a couple of pages at a time before they go home and something about it completely enraptures their attention. A very friendly book for children to experience a tough story and imagine a world where there are no cars and screens and children work in the field.
March 3, 2021
I didn’t like the way it was written, with the sentences broken up into different lines, like a poem that didn’t rhyme. There would be a handful of words in a sentence on one line then below it a handful more and a handful more below that, broken up into a paragraph. It gave it a poem feel and unless it rhymes I don’t want to read it like that. It was so broken up, so stop and start. It wasn’t pleasant to read.
I saw this in my list on my library account and thought what better time to read than now with the CNN show on Lincoln on now. It covered some points I had learned from the show and the major events in his life, but the focus was more on his love of books as the title suggested and less on the biography and facts and dates and things. It highlighted his love of learning and reading which is cool and inspirational, from a fellow book lover. It could spark a love of books to kids to have a President to look up to, to show what’s possible when you read.
I didn’t love the illustrations either, they were splotchy and not clear and defined.
I did like learning that the cabin he lived in at one time was beside the Cumberland Trail and he could see peddlers, pioneers, politicians, traders, and slaves pass by.
It was a nice story that he shot a turkey as a boy and then vowed to never kill another living thing.
He apparently told everyone that the things he wanted to know are in books. He would carry a book in his back pocket when he plowed and take it out and read at the end of each row. His horde would wait for him to turn the page.
I also like the story of his he had overcharged someone 6 cents in the general store where he worked, and he walked miles to give it back.
It was really inspiring that he read law books on his own and taught himself law. He learned that words could jail a man or free him. Words could change how people thought.
I liked the lines on the last page: “From the wilderness to the White House. He learned the power of words and used them well.”
It was such a nice example and lesson of how important words are and what reading can do for you.
I loved the line in the author’s note from Secretary of War Edwin Stanton after Lincoln’s assassination that said “Now he belongs to the ages.” What a statement! It gave me chills. I also got chills at reading that his face shines on our pennies. Because of him we have a United States and no one is owned by another. His love of books and his way with words kept our nation in the path to freedom. Powerful lines.
I felt like the book was kind of rambling and random. There were pages about his family’s move to new homes and setting up a shelter at night and having a fire going and animals making noises and I wasn’t really interested in that and wanted it to get to the point. He helped his dad clear a path to their land and it felt irrelevant. One picture showed him having chopped an A into a tree. Unless you know he did that for a fact, don’t show it! It’s misleading! At one point there was a story about him being signed up for a wrestling match. He was beaten and became friends with the man after and I was like what does this have to do with the story? I guess to show he befriended those who bested him, to illustrate his character. But it felt random.
I saw this in my list on my library account and thought what better time to read than now with the CNN show on Lincoln on now. It covered some points I had learned from the show and the major events in his life, but the focus was more on his love of books as the title suggested and less on the biography and facts and dates and things. It highlighted his love of learning and reading which is cool and inspirational, from a fellow book lover. It could spark a love of books to kids to have a President to look up to, to show what’s possible when you read.
I didn’t love the illustrations either, they were splotchy and not clear and defined.
I did like learning that the cabin he lived in at one time was beside the Cumberland Trail and he could see peddlers, pioneers, politicians, traders, and slaves pass by.
It was a nice story that he shot a turkey as a boy and then vowed to never kill another living thing.
He apparently told everyone that the things he wanted to know are in books. He would carry a book in his back pocket when he plowed and take it out and read at the end of each row. His horde would wait for him to turn the page.
I also like the story of his he had overcharged someone 6 cents in the general store where he worked, and he walked miles to give it back.
It was really inspiring that he read law books on his own and taught himself law. He learned that words could jail a man or free him. Words could change how people thought.
I liked the lines on the last page: “From the wilderness to the White House. He learned the power of words and used them well.”
It was such a nice example and lesson of how important words are and what reading can do for you.
I loved the line in the author’s note from Secretary of War Edwin Stanton after Lincoln’s assassination that said “Now he belongs to the ages.” What a statement! It gave me chills. I also got chills at reading that his face shines on our pennies. Because of him we have a United States and no one is owned by another. His love of books and his way with words kept our nation in the path to freedom. Powerful lines.
I felt like the book was kind of rambling and random. There were pages about his family’s move to new homes and setting up a shelter at night and having a fire going and animals making noises and I wasn’t really interested in that and wanted it to get to the point. He helped his dad clear a path to their land and it felt irrelevant. One picture showed him having chopped an A into a tree. Unless you know he did that for a fact, don’t show it! It’s misleading! At one point there was a story about him being signed up for a wrestling match. He was beaten and became friends with the man after and I was like what does this have to do with the story? I guess to show he befriended those who bested him, to illustrate his character. But it felt random.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2022
This is a wonderful book that depicts young Abe Lincoln as a voracious reader, which from all I have read is verifiable. His love for books expanded his world view and inspired in him a desire to serve people.
February 20, 2019
2/20/19 Read with Julia.
November 26, 2019
“From the wilderness to the White House.” I will read anything about Abraham Lincoln. Nice short story for young readers about his childhood.
December 30, 2022
Lines up with all we have read in Sterling North’s Landmark biography, and Southwell’s “Builders of Our Country”! Does not touch on his death, so gentle enough for sensitive children
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April 22, 2018Text-to-Teaching -Connection
In the book, The Boy Who Loved to read is that fantastic way to teach my children the importance of reading. Some children may come to me with a passion for reading and others may not feel the same. This gives me the opportunity to share the story of Abraham Lincoln and how he read everything that he could get his hands on. This gives me the opportunity to teach my children how reading gives you wisdom and power. When you read you could go anywhere in the world that you would like to go. I would give my children and opportunity to pick a book that they would like to read without having to do any activities or a test over. This would encourage them to pick up a book that you may not have ever thought about reading before.
In the book, The Boy Who Loved to read is that fantastic way to teach my children the importance of reading. Some children may come to me with a passion for reading and others may not feel the same. This gives me the opportunity to share the story of Abraham Lincoln and how he read everything that he could get his hands on. This gives me the opportunity to teach my children how reading gives you wisdom and power. When you read you could go anywhere in the world that you would like to go. I would give my children and opportunity to pick a book that they would like to read without having to do any activities or a test over. This would encourage them to pick up a book that you may not have ever thought about reading before.
Want to Read
April 3, 2025Summary
This book tells the story of Lincoln's childhood and his passion for reading books. Lincoln grew up in a poor family on a farm, but found a love for reading. This passion later turned into becoming a layer, and eventually the 16th president of the US.
Response
I loved reading this book because I learned new things about Lincoln. Most people assume that presidents came from rich families, but that is not true of Abe. He had a humble childhood, but was persistent in his education and rose to success later in his life. This was a very inspiring story to read.
Use
I would use this book to educate children about the history of Abe. It teaches lots of good lessons, and encourages children to read.
This book tells the story of Lincoln's childhood and his passion for reading books. Lincoln grew up in a poor family on a farm, but found a love for reading. This passion later turned into becoming a layer, and eventually the 16th president of the US.
Response
I loved reading this book because I learned new things about Lincoln. Most people assume that presidents came from rich families, but that is not true of Abe. He had a humble childhood, but was persistent in his education and rose to success later in his life. This was a very inspiring story to read.
Use
I would use this book to educate children about the history of Abe. It teaches lots of good lessons, and encourages children to read.
August 30, 2017
Summary:
Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books chronicles the life of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. From childhood in Kentucky to journeying across the Midwest, from adventures in the outdoors to learning in the classroom, from humble beginnings to presidency, students can learn about President Lincoln, and see that great influences are created, not born.
Evaluation:
This book contains a lot of information on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Illustrations support the text, and help students visualize what life looked like back then. The author also includes a brief history of Abraham Lincoln's life and his contributions to our lives today. This helps extend the reader's knowledge past what they learn from the story. Overall, this is a good book for students to read nonfiction in an engaging way.
Teacher Recommendation:
This book would be beneficial to use in a lesson on Abraham Lincoln. It provides a plethora of information on the life of Lincoln, from childhood to his presidency. It could be used to address standards about Abraham Lincoln as a historical figure, and could give lots of details about the time period in which he grew up.
Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books chronicles the life of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. From childhood in Kentucky to journeying across the Midwest, from adventures in the outdoors to learning in the classroom, from humble beginnings to presidency, students can learn about President Lincoln, and see that great influences are created, not born.
Evaluation:
This book contains a lot of information on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Illustrations support the text, and help students visualize what life looked like back then. The author also includes a brief history of Abraham Lincoln's life and his contributions to our lives today. This helps extend the reader's knowledge past what they learn from the story. Overall, this is a good book for students to read nonfiction in an engaging way.
Teacher Recommendation:
This book would be beneficial to use in a lesson on Abraham Lincoln. It provides a plethora of information on the life of Lincoln, from childhood to his presidency. It could be used to address standards about Abraham Lincoln as a historical figure, and could give lots of details about the time period in which he grew up.
April 14, 2014
Hmm. A picture book biography about Lincoln that stresses how much he loved to read? You know I have to love it:)
May 7, 2015
This was a very informative book on Abr Lincoln's childhood. I think kids will pick up a love for reading just from reading about his love for books.
December 3, 2025
Throughout reading Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books, I gained an in-depth perspective of how a world-renowned leader began as a simple and curious child. In this book, the author shares the story of the future 16th United States President, Abraham Lincoln, or “Abe,” and his love for reading. The book gives a view of Lincoln’s childhood and pictures his development for the reader to see. The book shows the scenes of him growing up in a small log cabin and teaching himself by reading all the books he had access to. I really enjoyed seeing this perspective of Abe and felt that I could better understand him as a human after seeing much of his early life. I learned about the characteristics that shaped him to become the successful president that he was.
The major themes in the book were curiosity and perseverance. Curiosity is present throughout the book because Abe is always seeking to learn more, no matter the conditions. Even when schooling was scarce or books were hard to find, Abe continued to find new ways to learn and develop as a thinker. Perseverance can be seen throughout the book as well when Abe dedicates himself to reading even after long days of work. These themes paired nicely with me because they prove that when interest and dedication are combined, they can equip anyone for the future. The main genre of this book is biography because it tells real events from the childhood of Abraham Lincoln in a simplistic and child-friendly form.
Children reading this book could learn that even history's most successful and influential leaders, like President Lincoln, started as regular kids with hopes and dreams. They can learn the determination that elevated them to the status they are, and they, too, can achieve such goals with the right mindset and work ethic. They could also learn that knowledge is an excellent way to open new doors to opportunity in life, even if the circumstances aren't always easy. This book was a WOW book for me because it did a great job humanizing Abe and presenting a genuine side of his early life that proves him as a relatable person and not just a figure from history. I loved how the author displayed many different aspects of his journey through childhood, including certain challenges he faced with overcame. This perspective shows the details of what daily life occurrences shaped Abe as a person and a leader.
The author used multiple writing craft techniques in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of imagery. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author vividly describes things going on in Abe’s life, like him reading by the fireplace, walking miles to find books to borrow, or working on the farm as the sun rises. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by allowing me to picture Abe’s reality in a clearer way and to better appreciate the hard work and struggles that shaped him into the person he became. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of figurative language, especially similes. An example of this writing craft from the book is when the author compares Abe’s curiosity and persistence to powerful, growing things in nature. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by making the descriptions of Abe’s experiences come across to the reader as strong and memorable. This can offer an easy way for young readers to relate and draw their own connections to the story. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it offers an authentic characterization of the important historical figure, Abraham Lincoln. The book sends an inspiring message to readers that influential leaders can and do come from simple beginnings.
The major themes in the book were curiosity and perseverance. Curiosity is present throughout the book because Abe is always seeking to learn more, no matter the conditions. Even when schooling was scarce or books were hard to find, Abe continued to find new ways to learn and develop as a thinker. Perseverance can be seen throughout the book as well when Abe dedicates himself to reading even after long days of work. These themes paired nicely with me because they prove that when interest and dedication are combined, they can equip anyone for the future. The main genre of this book is biography because it tells real events from the childhood of Abraham Lincoln in a simplistic and child-friendly form.
Children reading this book could learn that even history's most successful and influential leaders, like President Lincoln, started as regular kids with hopes and dreams. They can learn the determination that elevated them to the status they are, and they, too, can achieve such goals with the right mindset and work ethic. They could also learn that knowledge is an excellent way to open new doors to opportunity in life, even if the circumstances aren't always easy. This book was a WOW book for me because it did a great job humanizing Abe and presenting a genuine side of his early life that proves him as a relatable person and not just a figure from history. I loved how the author displayed many different aspects of his journey through childhood, including certain challenges he faced with overcame. This perspective shows the details of what daily life occurrences shaped Abe as a person and a leader.
The author used multiple writing craft techniques in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of imagery. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author vividly describes things going on in Abe’s life, like him reading by the fireplace, walking miles to find books to borrow, or working on the farm as the sun rises. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by allowing me to picture Abe’s reality in a clearer way and to better appreciate the hard work and struggles that shaped him into the person he became. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of figurative language, especially similes. An example of this writing craft from the book is when the author compares Abe’s curiosity and persistence to powerful, growing things in nature. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by making the descriptions of Abe’s experiences come across to the reader as strong and memorable. This can offer an easy way for young readers to relate and draw their own connections to the story. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it offers an authentic characterization of the important historical figure, Abraham Lincoln. The book sends an inspiring message to readers that influential leaders can and do come from simple beginnings.
February 13, 2020
Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books is a children's picture book written by Kay Winters and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. It is a biographical picture book of Abraham Lincoln and his love for books. As today is the Lincoln's Birthday (12 February), I thought it would be apropos to read this book.
Abraham Lincoln was an American statesman, politician, and lawyer who served as the sixteenth president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis. He preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
Winters' text is simplistic and informative. The author highlights the main points of Lincoln's life with her free-verse narrative takes on a suitably homespun directness. An author's note fleshes out more of the important events of Lincoln's life could be found in the backmatter. Carpenter's choice of oils on rough-textured canvas, in a style reminiscent of Grandma Moses' work seems rather apropos to this book.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It traces Lincoln's path from the wilderness to the White House, beginning in the one-room cabin where he first spoke and progressing to his later career as a self-taught lawyer and politician who aimed his words at wrongs he'd like to right and the importance of words.
All in all, Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books is a wonderful biographical children's book that traces the life of Abraham Lincoln and his love for words and the powers they can possess.
Abraham Lincoln was an American statesman, politician, and lawyer who served as the sixteenth president of the United States from 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln led the nation through the American Civil War, its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis. He preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the U.S. economy.
Winters' text is simplistic and informative. The author highlights the main points of Lincoln's life with her free-verse narrative takes on a suitably homespun directness. An author's note fleshes out more of the important events of Lincoln's life could be found in the backmatter. Carpenter's choice of oils on rough-textured canvas, in a style reminiscent of Grandma Moses' work seems rather apropos to this book.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It traces Lincoln's path from the wilderness to the White House, beginning in the one-room cabin where he first spoke and progressing to his later career as a self-taught lawyer and politician who aimed his words at wrongs he'd like to right and the importance of words.
All in all, Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books is a wonderful biographical children's book that traces the life of Abraham Lincoln and his love for words and the powers they can possess.
April 24, 2018
1. Awards- Junior Library Guild selection, A Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club Main Selection (January, 2003), Selected as one of 5 non-fiction books for the 2003 Chapman Awards for Best Classroom Read-Alouds on PlanetEsme.com, Named by the Chicago Public Library to their Best of the Best list of recommended children's books published in 2003, Selected by Banks St. College for their Best Books List of 2003, A Scholastic Book Club selection with an accompanying audio tape, Selected by PBS as a recommended social studies title, Included in the list of Best Books of 2003 by the Center for Children's Books, Featured on CSpan2 - Book TV.
2. Kindergarten-Grade 2
3. This story tells the life of Abe Lincoln from when he was a young boy to when he became president.
4. I loved this book because it's interesting, and historically accurate. -A great representation of a young readers biography.
5. This book is easy to understand, and a great way to introduce children to a biography.
2. Kindergarten-Grade 2
3. This story tells the life of Abe Lincoln from when he was a young boy to when he became president.
4. I loved this book because it's interesting, and historically accurate. -A great representation of a young readers biography.
5. This book is easy to understand, and a great way to introduce children to a biography.
May 18, 2017
This beautiful book (beautiful in words and illustrations) is about the childhood of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. It tells of how he had an insatiable appetite for books. He even plowed with a book in his pocket, so he could stop at the end of each row and read a bit. Abraham was an honest young man, and knew that slavery was wrong. When he grew up, he was able to put a stop to it.
I loved this book. Not just because I love history, but also because of the beautiful wording and gorgeous illustrations. One sentence in the book says "The outside crept indoors and iced the walls."
This book would be super to read aloud to 1st through 3rd graders during a unit study on the childhood of our presidents. It could also be used in character education to teach about honesty.
I loved this book. Not just because I love history, but also because of the beautiful wording and gorgeous illustrations. One sentence in the book says "The outside crept indoors and iced the walls."
This book would be super to read aloud to 1st through 3rd graders during a unit study on the childhood of our presidents. It could also be used in character education to teach about honesty.
September 27, 2018
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book with colorful pictures. Enough information to learn more about our 16th president but not too long of a book that your student will loose interest (or young child). This book shows how much Lincoln wanted to learn and how hard he had to work.
I am studying American history with my 3rd grader and he struggles to listen to books do board books like this one are perfect to teach him about Lincoln. I found this one at our library. I also read it to my 4 year old son who also enjoyed it. I even learned a few new facts that I didn’t read in other Lincoln books I read. This book also depicts what life was like in the early 1800’s.
I am studying American history with my 3rd grader and he struggles to listen to books do board books like this one are perfect to teach him about Lincoln. I found this one at our library. I also read it to my 4 year old son who also enjoyed it. I even learned a few new facts that I didn’t read in other Lincoln books I read. This book also depicts what life was like in the early 1800’s.
May 10, 2019
Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books was a great and informative book on Abraham Lincoln's life. This book talked about his love for reading. He would walk miles to get books and bring them back. Then later on in his life he became the sixteenth president of the United States. I think this is a great book to read to elementary students. I think by reading this book children will also develop an interest for reading like Abraham Lincoln. I would use this book to teach about who Abraham Lincoln was and then to look at other presidents more closely too. Overall this was a great book that I can see myself having in my classroom.
September 11, 2019
This book is about Abraham Lincoln life as a boy and an adult. It gives details in a colorful way so that young readers can not only read the facts about him but see them also. It starts with his life in Kentucky with his family in a cozy log cabin and dirt floor, the story progresses and tells about his work ethics and how he vowed to never take another life after he killed a deer for food. After his family moved, he saw more of the world. He sees travelers and slaves and people coming and going along the Cumberland Trail, “His dreams were stirred”.
I thought that is was a cute book for younger audiences but left out key elements for older readers.
I thought that is was a cute book for younger audiences but left out key elements for older readers.
March 2, 2023
This is good for the younger picture book crowd. It's full of enough detail to bring young Abe Lincoln to life without getting too bogged down in details or trying to be all-encompassing. Kids can see young Abe as a young student, both at home and in the classroom--it's great to see these huge political figures first as children, makes them more relatable for kids. Lincoln's love of books and words shines through and was a great tie-in with the Thomas Jefferson book we read, Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library.
January 13, 2021
Picture book biography is becoming my new favorite genre. This simple compilation of facts from Lincoln’s life is charming. The illustrations are rich. And it is wonderful to show kids that READING takes you places and allows you to dream big.
I would’ve liked to see a bit more detail on the process to his term as President with illustration but the additional info in back was more than sufficient.
Recommended for 4-12 year olds.
I would’ve liked to see a bit more detail on the process to his term as President with illustration but the additional info in back was more than sufficient.
Recommended for 4-12 year olds.
March 11, 2021
Picture book biography of Abraham Lincoln gives a quick overview of his life, from childhood in a log cabin in the wilderness to politician and eventually president. It provides a decent amount of information for a child learning about Abe Lincoln, but lacks some basic information too. I guess not everything can be included in a picture book.
Read this book aloud to my 5 y.o. son. He enjoyed the pictures and the content. It was easy to read aloud. Recommended for ages 5-8.
Read this book aloud to my 5 y.o. son. He enjoyed the pictures and the content. It was easy to read aloud. Recommended for ages 5-8.
July 26, 2024
📌 Crux: 3.5 stars rounded to 4, because I liked the way information was covered. This book will make a good introduction to children to Abraham Lincoln, more appropriate to the age group of 6 years and older, I believe. I didn't particular enjoy the sentence formation, I have to admit. It was a bit jarring, broke my flow of reading. I am not sure if that 6 year olds will enjoy the sentence structure either. Will come back and edit this when I introduce this to my toddlers in the future. <3
January 14, 2018
Written with a poetic meter, and illustrated with a folk art influence. A lovely book.
I wish all my children had loved it as much as I did, but it was hit and miss. I'm glad I brought it home all the same. It's a book that expands a child's horizons. Concepts are introduced that will stay with a child long after they finish reading.
I wish all my children had loved it as much as I did, but it was hit and miss. I'm glad I brought it home all the same. It's a book that expands a child's horizons. Concepts are introduced that will stay with a child long after they finish reading.
August 28, 2018
Wow, what a wonderful book. Not only did we learn about President Abraham Lincoln, we also learned a lot of life lessons. Namely, how adversity and tough times can help make us more empathetic and tougher in the long run. We also learned the value of words and reading, and we celebrated the importance of honesty. We will read and re-read this book for many years to come I am sure!
July 16, 2019
My favorite president and reading is my favorite thing to do so I was excited to read this one. I enjoyed the illustrations, the text is full of information but something just didn't engage me in his history in this one. I liked it but it wasn't my favorite. I liked that it taught that words are powerful and so is honesty.
February 12, 2021
Young Abe Lincoln was a verifiable voracious reading walking miles and miles in all weather to buy and return borrowed books. This love for literature of all kinds inspired in him a desire to serve his fellow man.
This book is a beautifully illustrated and clearly narrates unfolds these realities.
This book is a beautifully illustrated and clearly narrates unfolds these realities.
March 9, 2021
4 1/2 stars Adding to Sweet P’s list. Read it over lunch. Perfect picture book to review Abe Lincoln’s humble beginnings. Added bonus: the story focused on his love of reading and right after lunch, my daughter plopped on the couch to continue reading her chapter book. Love a good influence!
November 10, 2023
Nice story and pictures, but we do prefer the d’aulaires for a more complete and less poetic telling of Lincoln’s life. The Boy Who Loved to Read is nearly exclusively about Lincoln’s childhood, most of which is also covered in the D’Aulaire’s book.
December 29, 2025
Very nicely illustrated with lovely, real work. You can see the canvas texture in many pictures, and the style is consistent and captivating throughout. I appreciate how the author and illustrator maintain their focus on Abe as a boy growing up, setting the scene for who he would become.
September 5, 2017
This book proves that no one can stop you from learning.
He found that words could change the way folks thought.
He lost twice, but never gave up.
He found that words could change the way folks thought.
He lost twice, but never gave up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews