Kids' Corner

Abraham Lincoln at 200

February 12 2009 is the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.  Not surprisingly, a number of new books about our 16th president have recently been published.  Here are a few of them:

Our Abe Lincoln  by Jim Aylesworth
Told in the form of a song that was sung during Lincoln’s campaign for president, this has charming illustrations by Barbara McClintock.    For preschool – grade 3

Abraham Lincoln Comes Home   by Robert Burleigh
After Lincoln was assassinated on April 14 1865, his funeral train traveled from Washington D.C. to Springfield Illinois for 13 days.  That event is seen through the eyes of a young boy in this beautifully illustrated book.   For ages 4 – 8

Lincoln Shot: a President’s Life Remembered by Barry Denenberg
The format of this is in the style of a newspaper of 1866:  a one year anniversary edition of Lincoln’s assassination.  At 18 inches high, this is the biggest book in HPL’s children’s room!
For  grades 4 – 8

The Lincolns:  a Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming.
A fascinating biography of Lincoln and his wife, including rare photographs, humorous anecdotes, letters, and cartoons.
For grades 4 – 8

Lincoln and Douglass:  an American Friendship by Nikki Giovanni
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass first met when Lincoln became a congressman,  and the two of them worked together to abolish slavery.    For grades 4 – 6

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek:  a Tall, Thin Tale
by Deborah Hopkinson
This is historical fiction about an adventure 7 year old Abe and his 10 year old friend Austin had.  It’s very clever and colorful- and fun to read.     For K – grade 3

Abe’s Honest Words: the Life of Abraham Lincoln
by Doreen Rappaport
This gives insight to Lincoln’s thoughts about slavery, education, and government, and includes The Gettysburg Address.  The breathtaking illustrations are by Kadir Nelson (who just won the Coretta Scott King Book Award for We Are the Ship:  the Story of Negro League Baseball).       For ages 4 – 8

What Lincoln Said   by Sarah Thomson
Using direct quotes within the text, this sheds light on many interesting aspects of Abraham Lincoln’s life.  For ages 4 – 8

Happy Reading!
Ellen Xydias
Children’s Librarian