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Books by Theme

Celebrating Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the leader of the United States during an especially difficult period in the young country's history. He was also a self-educated but eloquent orator, a bright lawyer, and a devoted father. Meet Lincoln through his own words and in wonderfully envisioned tales often inspired by historical events. Meet Tad and Willie Lincoln at play, a young woman who would be commissioned to do a sculpture of Lincoln, and then take a look in fact and fiction at the memorial — built in honor of the 16th President.

For more books about Lincoln, visit this Lincoln Bicentennial website.

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Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale
Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale
By: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by: John Hendrix
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Drama abounds in what might have happened if Austin Gollaher had not pulled the young Abraham Lincoln from a swollen Kentucky creek that day in 1816. This engaging tale was inspired and expanded from a real event noted by the author.

Abe Lincoln Remembers
Abe Lincoln Remembers
By: Ann Turner
Illustrated by: Wendell Minor
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Before leaving for Ford's Theater, Abraham Lincoln reflects on his life — his accomplishments and disappointments. Realistic illustrations reflect the serious tone of this unusual glimpse of the 16th President.

Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books
Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books
By: Kay Winters
Illustrated by: Nancy Carpenter
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The basic life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln are introduced in free verse and detailed illustrations in an open format. A concluding note provides additional information.

Abe's Honest Words
Abe's Honest Words
By: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A straightforward overview of Lincoln's life is punctuated by Lincoln's words and commanding images. Additional resources for further reading and research are included as are sources used in this unforgettable book.

Abraham Lincoln Comes Home
Abraham Lincoln Comes Home
By: Robert Burleigh
Illustrated by: Wendell Minor
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Luke and his father travel by buggy to pay respects to the train carrying the assassinated Abraham Lincoln from Washington, D.C., to Springfield, Illinois. Evocative text and illustration are well-researched to capture the period from a child's point of view.

Capital! Washington D.C. from A to Z
Capital! Washington D.C. from A to Z
By: Laura Krauss Melmed
Illustrated by: Frané Lessac
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Take a tour of our nation's capital — from A to Z — including both lesser and well-known sights from Gallaudet University (the college for the deaf signed into law by Lincoln) to the Lincoln Memorial and lots more.

Lincoln & Douglass: An American Friendship
Lincoln & Douglass: An American Friendship
By: Nikki Giovanni
Illustrated by: Bryan Collier
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The friendship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist who was once enslaved, is presented in richly imagined text and collage illustrations.

Lincoln and His Boys
Lincoln and His Boys
By: Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by: P.J. Lynch
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The voices of Abraham Lincoln's sons, Willie and Tad, are used effectively to reveal their father as both a man and as a leader during very difficult times.

Mr. Lincoln's Boys
Mr. Lincoln's Boys
By: Staton Rabin
Illustrated by: Bagram Ibatoulline
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The Civil War and the soldiers in Washington, D.C., infiltrated the play of Tad and Willie on the grounds of the White House. And their father still takes time to pardon one of the boy's toy soldiers!

Vinnie and Abraham
Vinnie and Abraham
By: Dawn Fitzgerald
Illustrated by: Catherine Stock
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Not only did Vinnie Ream work at the post office but was the first woman (and the youngest) commissioned to sculpt an image of Abraham Lincoln. Watercolors and documentation combine to present a portrait of an artist and the city in which she lived.

What Lincoln Said
What Lincoln Said
By: Sarah Thomson
Illustrated by: James Ransome
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Lincoln's own words punctuate this overview of his life and times including lighter moments. Full color illustrations exaggerate Lincoln's physical features but complement the man's complexity.

Who Broke Lincoln's Thumb?
Who Broke Lincoln's Thumb?
By: Ron Roy
Illustrated by: Timothy Bush
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

KC, the President's daughter, and her friend Marshall solve the mystery of the broken thumb on the statue of Lincoln before the White House celebration of its sculptor begins. This easy novel presents a satisfying mystery.

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