I am Abraham Lincoln: A Biography


I am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer is a child friendly biography of the life of Abraham Lincoln from his youth into his presidency.  However, Meltzer does not touch on Lincoln's assassination because it is a bit graphic for children; even touching on the Gettysburg Address.
 Meltzer uses words that children see and use on a daily basis, thus it is easy for the students to read and understand. This illustrator helped portray Lincoln as a child so that he was easier for the students to relate too. The illustrator also used bright colors and clean lines to clearly distinguish each of the illustrations.
  This book is a great way to introduce preseidents to studnets, not to mention the several other books that Meltzer wrote that give biographies on other historical events and people. Thanks to the illustrations and the simple language, it is easy to teach students about history based on these books. 
Other books by Meltzer include:
  • I am Rosa Parks 
  • I am Albert Einstien
  • I am Amelia  Earhart
  • I am George Washington
  • I am Martin Luther King JR. 
  • I am Jane Goodall
  • I am Helen Keller
Discussion Questions:
  • Why do you think that it took so long for Lincoln to become president?
  • Do you think that Lincoln's life might have been different if there were schools when he was younger? How do you think?
Motivational Activities:
  • After reading the story, I would begin a lesson about money and begin with the penny so that students notice the connection and have a discussion as to why he is on the penny. 
  • High School: Read, study and perform the Gettysburg Address. 
References:
Meltzer, B., & Eliopoulos, C. (2015). I am Abraham Lincoln. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

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