Vinnie and Abraham [Library Binding]

Dawn Fitzgerald (Author), Catherine Stock (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Vinnie and Abraham tells the true story of Vinnie Ream, the self-taught teenage sculptor who won the commission to create the full-size statue of Abraham Lincoln that now stands in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—Vinnie Ream is best known for her life-size marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, unveiled in 1871 when she was only 23 years old, that stands in the Capitol Rotunda. Little information on this fascinating American sculptor has been available for an elementary audience. FitzGerald does a credible job of filling that gap. She chronicles Ream's life, including her Wisconsin childhood, the family's move to Washington, DC, at the beginning of the Civil War, and her distinction, at the age of 14, of being one of the first women hired by the U.S. Post Office. She covers Ream's apprenticeship to a prominent sculptor and her growing relationships with Congressmen who came to have their statues made, and who eventually persuaded the president to sit for her. FitzGerald puts the controversy surrounding her receipt of the commission for Lincoln's memorial statue in a context understandable by elementary students, avoiding mention of the scandalous allegations made at the time concerning how an inexperienced young woman could sway members of Congress. No mention is made of Ream's possible involvement in affecting the vote during Andrew Johnson's impeachment trial. Stock's watercolors capture the energy and excitement of both the young woman and Civil War Washington, although why the endpapers are festooned with a jumble of flowers is a mystery. An author's note discusses which aspects of the book have been fictionalized and the remainder of the woman's life. While the writing seems rushed at times, this is a good introduction.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* This picture-book biography presents Vinnie Ream as a young woman who transcended the conventions of her time through determination and a remarkable talent for sculpture. Living in Washington, D.C., during the Civil War, Vinnie, 14, became one of the U.S. Postal Service's first female employees, but she spent her spare time modeling in clay. She apprenticed herself to a renowned sculptor and progressed so well that at 18, she had daily sessions with President Lincoln while she worked to create his likeness. After Lincoln's assassination, Congress commissioned her to sculpt a marble statue of the late president, which is still on display in the Capital rotunda. Fitzgerald's clearly written narrative portrays Vinnie as a hardworking, resolute person who succeeded through her own gifts and the help of others who believed in her. Stock's watercolor paintings light up the pages. The joy of the Washington street scene marking the war's end is all the more vibrant in contrast with quiet pictures of Vinnie sculpting the president. Back matter includes an author's note about Vinnie's later life as well as a list of books and online resources. A spirited introduction to a little-known artist. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 34 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (January 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570916586
• ISBN-13: 978-1570916588
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,977,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Review, October 10, 2008

By 

P. Dickens (Midlothian, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vinnie and Abraham (Library Binding)

This is a beautifully written book... and the illustrations are delightful for young people or adults. I must admit, Vinnie Ream is an ancestor... a cousin at best, and we have a lot of interest in knowing more about her. I have Grandchildren and I thought it wuld be fun to share this book with them. I have read to them or had several of them read the book themselves. They were delighted and the book stimulated some discussion about the topic. Adults have also looked at the book... with the immediate response "The Illustrations are beautiful!". Because it is really a childrens book, the detail is not great, but it does present a lovely picture of the era, perhaps a bit more glowing than deserved, but it makes it very readable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book moved me!, April 16, 2007

By 

Rudolph Lea (Penna. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vinnie and Abraham (Library Binding)

What a wonderful childrens' book! Dawn Fitzgerald's telling of the story of Vinnie Ream is inspirational, the presence of Abe Lincoln is magical, the mix of artistic achievement, youthful determination, and living history is opulent, and Catherine Stock's illustrations enliven the story and make the book sparkle. To me this book is perfect proof of the power of a story for children about people who were real and who did great things.

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely read, June 8, 2010

By 

Preacher Girl "Can't Stop Reading" (Mitford) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vinnie and Abraham (Paperback)

One of my favorite literature genres is historical fiction/historical narratives. This book does a lovely job of telling the story of the girl who carved the statue of Abraham Lincoln that still stands in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. I remember seeing the statue for the first time as an eighth grader and being moved by it. It was interesting and enjoyable to read the story behind the statue. A great read aloud.