Finding Lincoln [Hardcover]

Ann Malaspina (Author), Colin Bootman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009 | Grade Level: 2 and up

Louis needs to write an essay for school about young Abraham Lincoln. But it's 1951 in Alabama, and African Americans cannot use the public library. Mama says one day soon they'll be able to check out books, but Louis isn't going to wait! When he makes a brave journey into the "whites-only" library, something surprising and wonderful happens - he meets a brave young librarian. Ann Malaspina's moving story and Colin Bootman's rich paintings evoke the troubles and triumphs of days not long past. Includes a note on the history of racial segregation in public libraries, a brief history of Abraham Lincoln's life, and an "If You Want to Read More" listing.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1–3—A story set in 1951, when most public libraries in the South were for whites only. Louis, an African-American child, needs to find information on the boyhood of Abraham Lincoln for a school report. Using his usual sources, his father's collection of books and the family's church library, he still cannot find what he needs and longs to be allowed to visit the local public library. Bravely conquering his fear, he walks into the building and is met by total disapprobation by everyone except one understanding librarian, who finds a way to help him. Soft, rich watercolor illustrations accompany the text, creating a compelling look at an important piece of history. Some brief facts on Lincoln and the slavery issue, a suggested list of further reading, and a note on the history behind the book's subject are appended.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Inside Flap

In segregated 1950s Alabama, Louis cannot use the public library to research a class assignment, but one of the librarians lets him in after hours and helps him find the book that he needs.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807524352
• ISBN-13: 978-0807524350
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Ann Malaspina began her writing career as a reporter, tracking down stories for a community newspaper in Allston-Brighton, Massachusetts. She has written nonfiction books for the school and library market, as well as picture books for younger children. She lives with her family in New Jersey.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for teaching about segregation during the 1950s., December 11, 2009

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C. Teixeiraa "Love to Read" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding Lincoln (Hardcover)

Loved this book. Can be used across different grade levels, possibly 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Great way to teach about segregation during the 1950s from the perspective of a black boy who just wants a chance to learn like the white boys and girls can at their library.

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a marvelous book about a young boy who finds the courage to defy a "whites only" sign and stand up for his beliefs!, November 19, 2009

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D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Finding Lincoln (Hardcover)

Louis stood at the bottom of the library steps glancing longingly at the books inside. It would be nice if he could count them, but that would be impossible because there was a little sign in the entrance way that said, "WHITES ONLY." He decided he'd better move along. He had his lunch pail and a notebook in hand and he thought about that essay he was going to have to write on President Lincoln. It was 1951 and a boy should be able to borrow a book from any library in Alabama, but that wasn't going to happen any time soon. All the good stuff was reserved for white people. Heck, he couldn't even have "strawberry milkshakes at the drugstore lunch counter!"

When he got home, his Mama knew he was out of sorts, but he wouldn't say anything. He didn't even want a glass of lemonade. At school the next day Mrs. Yates was teaching them about the Civil War. She was talking about Lincoln and stated that "He dared to stand up for what he believed in, and that made a lot of people mad." Louis wanted to know more about Abe, the boy, but the book he had didn't answer any of his questions. There were no books about him at the church library either. There was only one thing left for Louis to do. Would he be brave enough to walk up those library steps?

This is a marvelous book about a young boy who finds the courage to defy a "whites only" sign and stand up for what he believed in. The storyline was heartwarming and had just the right amount of tension to make me race to the end to find out how Louis fared on his courageous venture. The sweeping artwork, needless to say, was gorgeous and very inspiring. In the back of the book there is an excellent, but brief overview of segregation, a short blurb on President Lincoln and additional recommended book resources. This is a touching tale about courage you won't want to pass up!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful mentor text, October 22, 2009

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3 Boys (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Finding Lincoln (Hardcover)

Recently shared this book with my third grade class as a mentor text. We discussed the setting and its significance to understanding the characters and their actions. The children truly enjoyed the book and have referred to it in other discussions. We will revisit when we explore the genre of historical fiction.