Abe Lincoln's Hat

by Martha F. Brenner, Brooke Smart (Illustrator)

How do you remember things? President Abraham Lincoln used a special trick -- he placed reminders under his top hat! Read all about it and more in this leveled reader perfect for President's Day and for anyone looking to discover fun facts about one of our nation's greatest presidents!

This Step 3 History Reader shares some fascinating anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln, one of our greatest presidents. Abe started out in life as an absent-minded frontier lawyer. How did he nudge his memory? He stuck letters, court notes, contracts, and even his checkbook in his trademark top hat. When he took off his hat, it was all there! Young readers will be utterly engaged with how Abe's humanity comes across in this accessible, easy-to-read book.

Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. These books are for children who are ready to read on their own.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, American History, Presidents, Childrens, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

Published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only do I like the tall, vertical format for this picture book, appropriate to its subject matter, but I also appreciate the way this story provides reassurance that their own absentmindedness need not spell doom for the future. After all, if President Abraham Lincoln could find ways around his own disorganization, so can they. Based on her previous Step into Reading book, the author delves more deeply into this historical figure by focusing primarily on his hat. History fans, old and young, will get a kick out of learning that Abe's hat was part of his efforts to dress like a lawyer and that he ended up using the hat to keep track of notes and important papers. His opponent in a Senate and a Presidential race was even courteous enough to hold onto that hat while the new President was speaking. The text contains all sorts of historical notes and anecdotes, including his involvement with the legal case of Nance Legins-Costley, a free Black woman whose contract worked to trap her and keep her from her own independence. I had never heard of this case and would like to learn more. There are references for those who want to learn more and lively illustrations throughout the book's pages that will hold readers' attention. There's even a photograph of one of Abe's stovepipe hats. This picture book would make a nifty addition to a social studies classroom library because of the quirky details and unique focus on the President's hat. I wish there had been more about the secretaries who worked so hard to keep the man who was the sixteenth President of the United States organized and on time.

[JadeShea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abe Lincoln was a lawyer who liked to help all kinds of people. He was very disorganized though, so he finally found a way to keep his papers together. He kept them in his hat. This story goes more into detail about how Abe was a lawyer and then ran for presidency.

Abe Lincoln’s Hat was interesting. I thought it was a bit boring at times due to the writing, but I liked the overall idea of the story. I think it made Abe Lincoln more relatable and this way children can remember more about it. It was somewhat humorous, and the book was long vertically which reminded me of the top hat. It was really neat how the information was put into the book and how the small details really brought the fact that Lincoln was a person and not just a historical figure. I like that part of the book a lot. This is something that you could read to your class when you are learning about presidents, or history. I also think it would be good for any age level except maybe Kindergarten or lower.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare that a new children's picture book about Lincoln would reveal much new information about this President but Brenner able to do that by focusing on Lincoln's hat which the reader learns was often a place for holding Lincolns notes and letters to keep him more organized. Brenner also details a series for cases from Lincoln's law career which may be new to readers. The book also provides some historical context for Lincoln's strongly held views about slavery and how they changed over time. The Dred Scott decision also gets a critical look in this informative picture book. End notes included additional information, references and photos.

[Cindy Dobrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting tidbits about Lincoln's habits, personality, and convictions, most involving his famed stovepipe hats. Looking at my desk, I may want to invest in one myself to keep track of my important papers. ;)

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an enjoyable account of Lincoln's days as a circuit lawyer, including details on a few of the cases that he was involved with.

Mostly the illustrations are ok but I don't understand the oddly colored ears and noses!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative picture book that uses Lincoln's iconic hat to introduce readers to the former president. Focuses mainly on Lincoln's work as a lawyer before he was elected. Interesting and included facts my child and I didn't know about the president.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on a Lincoln bio. It's quite text-heavy, but that was fine for my 8yo who found it fascinating. I especially like how it showed Lincoln's creative thinking in the courtroom.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to Abraham Lincoln aimed at elementary aged kids, with a focus on his iconic hat.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Purchased at Lincoln's library.