Abe Lincoln's Hat (Step into Reading) [Paperback]

Martha Brenner (Author), Donald Cook (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Illus. in full color. Abraham Lincoln, one of our greatest presidents, 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!    

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-As a young lawyer, Abe Lincoln found that his stovepipe hat came in handy for more than just covering his head. It also served as a good place to keep important papers. Brenner weaves this and other anecdotes about our 16th president into this easy-to-read selection. Watercolor illustrations highlight the sometimes choppy but informative text. Pair with David Adler's A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln (Holiday, 1989) where beginning biographies are in demand.
Lesley McKinstry, Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-3. A far cry from the reverent tone of most children's books on Lincoln, this short, anecdotal biography actually humanizes him. Lincoln is shown as a struggling and somewhat disorganized lawyer who makes his way through goodwill and good sense. The book begins with his purchase of a tall black hat. Later, a group of boys rig up a high wire and knock it off his head, scattering the important papers he kept inside. Courtroom stories include Lincoln proving which man owned a young horse by letting the colt loose to go to its mother and his defense of a slave's right to be granted freedom in Illinois, a free state. Although Brenner includes no source notes, she states that all the stories she relates are true. The humor, lively lines, and soft, shaded colors of Cook's illustrations add to the book's appeal. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (April 12, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679849777
• ISBN-13: 978-0679849773
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.2 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > United States
  • #4 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( L ) > Lincoln, Abraham
  • #4 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > United States

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!, April 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Abe Lincoln's Hat (Step into Reading) (Paperback)

This step into reading book is a must for any elementary student's study of Abraham Lincoln. Our copy had been worn out from use. This book portrays Lincoln as fun-loving, compassionate and a little forgetful. He discovers that keeping important papers tucked inside his hat helps remind him of things to do. Illustrations are plentiful and appealing. The last page has photos of four people mentioned in the book. The photos were taken around 1860. The stories in the book are said to be true.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book for the Beginning Reader, November 16, 2000

By 

M. Allen Greenbaum (California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Abe Lincoln's Hat (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3) (Library Binding)

From the "Step into Reading" series comes this humorous, well-illustrated, and engaging book, appropriately described as suitable for young readers in grades 1-3. And, with all the bad-mouthing of lawyers, it's nice to show kids that the legal system can be a powerful tool for justice, personified here in Abe Lincoln.

That's the adult perspective. Kids will enjoy the humorous stories, evocative pictures, and Abe Lincoln's witty, winning ways in court. The book touches on the slavery issue, perhaps too briefly, but this can be a good starting point for further discussion. It also illustrates how Lincoln got along with his competitors (e.g., opposing lawyers, opponent Stephen Douglas). Presenting values without preaching, this is sure to delight the young reader.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect For Introducing Lincoln To Young Readers, June 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Abe Lincoln's Hat (Step into Reading) (Paperback)

Brenner does an excellent job crafting the story of Lincoln with his stovepipe hat as a centerpiece! Full of interesting facts that humanize this icon, kids will love reading and rereading this book. The Step into Reading Series needs more of these historical pieces at this level!