Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln

By Doreen Rappaport

Book Overview

This accessible and stunningly illustrated picture book biography includes quotes from Abraham Lincoln himself, for an epic portrait of one of the most influential American presidents.

From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the remote Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved towards greater equality and prosperity. Despite the obstacles he faced as a self-educated man from the back woods, Lincoln persevered in his political career, and his compassion and honesty gradually earned him the trust of many Americans. As president, he guided the nation through a long and bitter civil war and penned the document that would lead to the end of slavery in the United States.

The passion for humanity that defined Lincoln's life shines through in this addition to the highly acclaimed Big Words series, told in Doreen Rappaport's accessible, absorbing prose, and brought to life in powerful illustrations by Kadir Nelson.

Don't miss these other titles in the Big Words series
Beacon of Hope: The Life of Barack Obama
Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa
Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Helen's Big World: The Life of Helen Keller
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1423104080
• ISBN13: 9781423104087
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 6 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 5

Customer Reviews

Excellent picture book.

This is an excellent children's book. Large, graphic illustrations with Lincoln's history and quotes on every page by Lincoln.

know this campaign song? we do now!

Our Abe Lincoln is a creative and imaginative look into the life of our 16th president. The author use one of Abe's campaign songs as a starting point for the picture book. The words of the song are set to the folk song The Old Grey Mare. Through the song, children are taken on a journey of Honest Abe's life. The illustrations in the book are vivid and bright. The book will make learning history and fun and enjoyable experience. Our children ages 4 and 5 loved this book and we read/sung it many times! Facts about Abe Lincoln will be in their heads for many years to come thanks to this book!

Lincoln's eloquence and compassion shine through

This is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book, with detailed, full-page illustrations throughout. On nearly every page in this book, we see Lincoln's love of learning, industriousness, and commitment to principle. The focus is on Lincoln's recognition, gained from his early days carrying cargo on the Mississippi river, that slavery is wrong, and his life-long efforts leading to emancipation. In signing the emancipation proclamation, Lincoln's words are "I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right, than I do in signing this paper. My whole soul is in it." One of the most unique facets of this book is that nearly every page contains a stand-alone quote in Lincoln's own words. The quotes are well-chosen and aptly highlight the author's text. The quotes also contain lessons for readers of all ages -- such as Lincoln's advice that one should "Resolve to be honest at all events" and if you can't be an honest lawyer, choose some other professions in which you can be honest. And in response to attachks "I do the very best I know how -- the very best i can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end." Notes from the author and illusrator instroducing the book show how much research and effort they put into getting this right. The author read and reread Lincoln's letters, nespaper interviews, and many speeches. The illustrator visited Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois and other places along Lincoln's journey. The illustrations are breathtaking. The cover portrait is from a larger illustration within the book, highlighting words from the Gettysburg Address. Other recommended books by the author include Eleanor, Quiet No More and Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Other related books illustrated by Kadir Nelson include Coretta Scott and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (Caldecott Honor Book).

Abraham Lincoln at his best

There are many many books being published honoring Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. This tale told is THE BEST of the best maybe because of how brilliantly Lincoln's own words are incorporated into the story. VERY well done! Illustrations by Kadir Nelson add brilliance as well.

Absolutely stunning...

A wonderful overview of Abraham Lincoln's life. Seventeen pages of concise writing, each containing absolutely stunning illustrations, take you through Lincoln's childhood, early political years, presidency, and death. Lincoln's words are printed on every page, highlighting the important aspects of the story. This book can be used to introduce the presidency, slavery, Civil War, or civil rights. The Gettysburg Address is printed in the back, along with a list of important dates and a list of suggested further reading and internet sites. I am a fourth and fifth grade teacher, and this book is an ideal read aloud for my Civil War Unit. I highly recommend this book - it is a wonderful story wrapped in a beautiful package.