A. Lincoln And Me (Hardcover)

~ Louise W. Borden (Author), Ted Lewin (Illustrator) "When February comes, we talk about Abraham Lincoln in class..." (more)
Key Phrases: Abraham Lincoln

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The gangly narrator of this earnest tale shares a birthday with Abraham Lincoln; moreover, the boy has big hands and feet and is "skinny as a beanpole/ and tall for my age." When his outsize features invite teasing from classmates, his kind, articulate teacher, Mrs. Giff, also draws on the boy's resemblance to the famous president: "Lincoln had big hands, too. Strong hands.... Strong enough to split rails for a fence, and wrestle two men at a time, and pull 36 states back together.... Big hands and a big heart." Lewin's (Peppe the Lamplighter) realistic watercolor portraits bring the youngster and his changing emotions into close focus, while rough background sketches render the former president. The juxtaposition of these elements simultaneously conveys the feel of two distinct eras and reinforces the parallels stressed in the text. Borden's (Good Luck, Mrs. K.!) use of body type to link the boy and his hero gives her inspirational story a fresh, child-geared slant, and her descriptions of Lincoln are often poetic and pertinent. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-A young boy whose birthday falls on February 12th develops an interest in and an affinity for Abraham Lincoln. In poetic language, he notes the similarities between himself and his hero. Lincoln was tall for his age, skinny, and gawky, and so is he. If Lincoln could go on to greatness, then there is hope for him. Through the boy's reflections, readers will learn something about the nature of our 16th president. If at times the narrator's interest seems to border disquietingly on obsession, it does help see him through some teasing at school. Borden's text flows nicely, creating imagery of the physical presence of the man. Lewin's distinctive watercolors lend style and substance to the book, producing a treat for the eyes. A story that's likely to spark discussion about heroes and role models.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590457144
• ISBN-13: 978-0590457149
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #665,390 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #18 in

  Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( L ) > Lewin, Ted

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A. Lincoln and Me, July 20, 2000

By A Customer

This a wonderful children's book for early elementary teachers. It has so many possible uses. Some of these include: individual differences, historical fiction to interest children in history, and the introduction to money. Plus, the illustrations are simply fabulous. I just love this book!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for children, March 17, 2000

By	R. Sykes "tsykes5" (Mt. Airy, Maryland) - See all my reviews

Every so often a gift is given to a parent when reading a book for children. The gift is that moment when the book being read becomes just as interesting, charming, funny or poignant to the parent as it is to the child. I received such a gift when I read this book. In short, simple, poetic sentences the author has managed to make vivid a great man who with the passing of years has become less human and more "historic." At the same time, the young boy in the story who discovers the likenesses between Lincoln and himself is poignantly real in his embarrassment with his awkward physical self. The dead president inspires the boy, and vice-versa: the boy opens a path for us to A. Lincoln. You can buy this book for your child, but you'll be buying yourself a treat as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, quiet tale of admiration for Lincoln, May 27, 2002

By	Catherine S. Vodrey (East Liverpool, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Louise Borden's "A. Lincoln and Me" has the great good luck of being illustrated by Ted Lewin. Author and painter work quiet miracles herein, with Borden's young boy reflecting on Lincoln and the similarities they share (not the least of which includes the same birthday).

Lewin makes a powerful impression here with his pencil sketches of Lincoln shadowing the boy throughout the book. This deft use of pencil, juxtaposed with watercolor paintings of the boy, draw a subtle line between history and modernity, while the size differential (the boy is always smaller than is Lincoln) underscores Lincoln's importance, both in history and to the boy personally.

Really very highly recommended for any child, especially those who have an interest in either Lincoln or the Civil War.