A. Lincoln And Me

by Louise Borden, Ted Lewin (Illustrator)

A moving story of a gangly young boy who finds courage and inspiration in the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln features historical information about the famous president and contains vibrant portraits of Lincoln by a Caldecott Honor artist.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Presidents, Childrens, Fiction, Historical, School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

There were already two Louises in my family when I was born: my mother and my grandmother, Nana, who lived with us when I was growing up. So early on, I was given the name Leezie. This is a name that my family still calls me. Years later, my niece was born and also named Louise. Then there were four of us with the same name! Louise is a fine name to have except that people often spell it incorrectly. Sometimes my mail is addressed to Louisa, or Louisie, or Lewis, or Lois. Leezie is also tough for people to spell. Names and their pronunciations have always interested me, so writing about a teacher named Mrs. Kempczinski was a natural thing for me to do.

I grew up in a house at the top of a steep street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the kind of street that is a big challenge when you are pedaling uphill on your bicycle. My two sisters and I used to ride our bikes down, down our street, and then to the local dimestore to buy candy bars or meet up with our friends. But coming home, we had to pedal up our long hill. (This was before mountain bikes!) Pedaling slowly up my street may be where I learned perseverance, something all writers need when they are working alone at their desks.

Writing picture books came much later—after studying history in college, getting married, and raising three children. Even though I didn't grow up to be a composer, I like to think that my picture books are almost songs because the sound of words and the poetry of my style are so important in the texts that I write. I work very hard at my desk, revising and revising and revising, trying to find just the right words that will be beautiful or fun to read.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy feels a surprisingly strong connection to President Lincoln because he's born on Lincoln's birthday. He integrates facts about Lincoln's life into his own character, finding matches between himself and the president that will serve him well in the future. Lessons such as following one's own beliefs, despite what others might think; not listening to cracks about one's personal appearance, despite being overly tall and having big feet - these and other connections serve as an inspiration to the boy throughout his day.

Bright and realistic watercolors of the boy are juxtaposed with rough pencil sketches of Lincoln in the background. This gives us the sense that the boy truly does hold the President in his mind and is being shaped by his extraordinary life at every moment.

[Lauren Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the celebration of being unique and different mixed with facts about Lincoln.

[Caitlyn Berkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy who is very skinny for his age finds out who Abraham Lincoln is. After finding out that A. Lincoln was made fun of for is height, he grew to know that he could be whatever he wanted, seeing that Lincoln went on to be the best president.

1. Abraham Lincoln unit.
2. Compare and contrast trait with a celebrity.
3. Writing to the president now.

[Toryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book about Lincon!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The boy in the story shares the same birthday as Abraham Lincoln and feels a kinship with the president. He feels clumsy and awkward, but comes to realize that he has special qualities, too.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best Abraham Lincoln book, but a wonderful read for someone who is being bullied.

[Sydney Kalacinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks about Lincoln in a way students can relate to. It compares Lincoln to another child and the way they are different.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of Historical fiction does a fantastic job of blending fact with fiction. The story follows a student in a classroom that is learning about A. Lincoln. The boys life has a lot of familiarity to that of A. Lincolns, persona and physical characteristics are compared. The fiction part of the blend revolves around the student portrayed, the fact revolves around A. Lincoln. This book is filled with information about Abe Lincoln. The story has has facts from Lincolns life growing up, and facts about what he did in his presidency. The information in this book is presented without a mess. Key facts are clear and simple, and a student in the story is making connections with A. Lincoln. Kids would learn a lot about A. Lincoln from this book very easily. The book leaves a lot of room for classroom discussion if it were to be used as a read-a-loud. I would use the book for a unit on Presidents, specfically Abe Lincoln. I highly recommend this book for teachers to have as part of their curriculum.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

In honor of Presidents' Day and Lincoln's birthday, I wanted to bring home a selection of books about various American presidents. I got a variety of books and tried to find stories that would interest our girls as much as educate them.

I really liked the idea of this book since it was about a boy's reflections on Abraham Lincoln and the things they had in common. The narrative is informative, without being overwhelming and the boy's perspective helped our girls to relate their own lives to this great man's experiences.

The watercolor illustrations by Ted Lewin complement the story nicely and have an old-fashioned feel. We really enjoyed reading this story together.

[Lorena Magallanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. Lincoln and Me is a great story that both teaches students about, famous 16th president, Abraham Lincoln and self acceptance. The young boy stands out amongst others his age, he's taller than most, with bigger hands and bigger feet. He gets picked on for his clumsiness and oversized body, but his teacher, Mrs. Giff comes to save the day. Mrs. Giff tells the young boy that his similarities with Abraham Lincoln are not just that of his birthday. In the end the young boys father takes him to Washington D.C. to see the Lincoln Memorial.

Throughout the book the watercolors tell the story of the young boy and former President Abraham Lincolns similarities. Each page has its comparisons and examples to help add to the written story. There is are double page spreads, and bleeding that are found to be a common theme throughout the book.

[Genee121 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A. Lincoln and Me,” written by Louise Borden, illustrated by Ted Lewin is a delightful story about how an awkward young boy discovers how Abraham Lincoln went from being the laughing stock of childhood teasing to being a well-loved, and admired President with a huge heart and a significant ability to lead a country.
In the story, the young boy easily relates himself to Abraham Lincoln, and finds confidence in their shared similarities. I believe that students today can relate all to well with the teasing that both the young boy and even Abraham Lincoln endured from his peers, and that’s why I gave the book 4 stars. The illustrations were nice but very dated. Still a good book, very relatable.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the out-of-fashion illustrations, this book is a really good, although very basic, introduction to Abraham Lincoln for school-aged kids and an excellent book to share with kids who might be experiencing some self-esteem issues. I think it really gets across a motivational message, or why I think learning about Abraham Lincoln is essential to children: Despite the fact that he came from a poor background and wasn’t born with the best of looks, Abraham Lincoln succeeded in becoming a great man because he worked hard towards the life he wanted. For older-elementary schoolers to read on their own or for parents to share with their younger ones.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story of a young boy who finds similarities between himself and a very important man in history whom he shares the same day of birth, Abraham Lincoln. It seems like in our society people find heroes on the radio or actors on t.v., instead of in leaders who fought for the betterment of this world. This book is a reminder to children and myself to put that respect and admiration where it is more deserved.

[Mackenzie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magnificent book that reminds readers that no one is perfect, but less than perfect people can still achieve great things! In this story, a young boy relates himself fondly to our nation's 16th president, and gains self-confidence through their likeness. This story is informative, in the sense that readers learn some facts about Abe Lincoln. It is also interesting and well-written! 5 stars!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A. Lincoln and Me" is an interesting book that tells the reader facts about the life of Abraham Lincoln. This story allows students to learn about Lincoln in a fun context. The book gives off a positive message that even though there cannot be another Lincoln, it doesn't mean that we cannot all try to be great people.

[Tara Mensing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about a boy who shares Lincoln's birthday in common, but through this commonality finds others to help him find strength in himself to overcome obstacles and conflicts at school and in his day to day life. The book displays positive role models (Lincoln and the boy's teacher) and it is highly relateable to all students.

[Melissa Trumbo]

A great read for young readers about A. Lincoln and self-acceptance. The boy in the story has the same birthday as Lincoln and finds himself having a lot in common with him. He gets made fun of because he's tall, with big hands and feet, so did Lincoln. He is inspired by Lincoln for his accomplishments and bravery and realizes he's unique and brave in his own way too.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about an influential person like Abraham Lincoln can be an inspiration to all. This book highlights that A. Lincoln was bullied a bit yet he did marvelous things. It shows even the most "ordinary" people can be someone. Not only does this book give history on A. Lincoln, it also provides a message of being proud of who you are.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy shares his birthday with Abraham Lincoln and talks about other ways he is like Lincoln as well, such as being tall for his age and skinny as a beanpole. A great book for reading aloud in the month of February! The illustrations by Ted Lewin are very nice.

[Rachel]

A well written book that uses real true facts to write a story.Great example to organize facts and present them to engage a reader. The narrator, a boy, talks about the things he shares with the president. Great to help students write nonfiction about historical people.

[Melissa Housholder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book all about a boy who has the same birthday as Lincoln. He is told by teachers that he is a lot like Lincoln in many ways. The whole book is about the similarities between Lincoln and him. Not a bad book, but not the greatest kids book about Lincoln I have read.

[Brianna Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a boy who shares a birthday and many other personal characteristics with A. Lincoln. This story could be used in many ways in a classroom. It could be used to start a writing conversation, or could be used to talk about Abraham Lincoln and his life.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy whose birthday is the same as the famous president is compared to him, sometimes favorably, other times not. As he learns more about Lincoln's strong character, he sees the same characteristics in himself and strives to be like him, yet also be himself. Add to a lesson on Abraham Lincoln.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great book to share during President's Day or Abraham Lincoln's birthday. It describes some of the characteristics of President Lincoln, and similarities he has with the boy in the story. This also brings together some facts and some fiction which is great for early learners.

[Nojood Alsudairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish we have a book like this one in our Arabic library. Writers, this book is about a child comparing himself to Lincoln. This is a great idea for you so do it!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a young boy finds that he has many characteristics similar to the great a. lincoln and how he feels inspired by lincolns story

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would've liked the illustrations to be more timeless but otherwise an interesting picture book.

[Melissa Hensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to teach inference and to "close read" with the class....especially in February.

[Katie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents such a cool way to introduce history to students. A young boy compares himself to Abraham Lincoln while giving the reader a brief history of his life. Great book!

[Laci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute and has a great theme. To be happy with yourself no matter what, everyone can have role models.