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When John and Abigail first met, they didn’t really like each other but came to appreciate the other’s strengths: Abigail had her own opinions; John was honest and witty. After their marriage, Abigail expertly handled home, family, and more during her husband’s frequent travel and was the earliest First Lady to live in the Executive Mansion. This is a graceful introduction to an early first family. View this exclusive digital version of Abigail and John

Martin Luther King, Jr. prepared diligently for his now famous “I have a dream” speech given on August 28, 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was King’s unshakable belief in nonviolence and the power of words that galvanized the country. This informal account is both personal and satisfying as revealed by Martin’s older sister who watched it on television with their parents in Atlanta. Full-color illustrations and expressive typography highlight words and enhance the tone.

The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired four students to protest in a way that ultimately changed the United States. Their peaceful dissent at the segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, would “combine black with white to make sweet justice.” The “Greensboro Four” began their sit-in on February 1, 1960 and contributed to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The text suggests storytelling and is accompanied by light-lined but evocative illustrations; back matter completes this compelling portrait.

When Thembi’s family learns that South Africa will hold elections, her 100-year-old grandmother announces that she too will vote now that she has the opportunity. This story of quiet determination pays tribute to the people of South Africa and the privilege of casting a ballot. Pastel sketches convey the joy and warmth of the bond between Thembi and Gogo.

Long ago in 1787, a group of men known as the Founding Fathers of the United States met in Independence Hall in Philadelphia. (It’s now a national park.) There they discussed, argued, and finally agreed upon a document that still in use today — the U.S. Constitution. Their story is told with verve and humor in this playful book.

The story of a Russian family’s emigration to the United States parallels the travel from Paris of Bartholdi’s statue of Lady Liberty. Both tell moving sagas and intersect in a unique way. poignant illustrations make this a memorable presentation.

The lives and times of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln are presented through written and pictorial information in a scrapbook-like format. A well developed, tragic portrait of Mary Lincoln emerges as her life is presented beyond the assassination of the President.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

This fact and fun-filled look at female contributions to the American Revolution provides a serious but lighthearted introduction to a range of known and unknown women. Affable illustrations include thought and speech bubbles.

The ghost of George Washington introduces Sara to other presidential ghosts.

Espionage played an important role in defeating the British, as is demonstrated in this cleverly-formatted, intriguing book.

What must it be like to live in the White House, especially if you’re not at all like other children of your time? Read about Alice — Theodore Roosevelt’s oldest child — and her unconventional approach to life in the White House.

How are dogs, alligators, sheep, cats, and a host of other animals similar? They’ve all been residents of the president’s house as presidential pets! Comical illustrations combine with the often laugh out loud funny tales of pets in the White House.

The large format of this collection of stories both factual and fictionalized has been created by about 100 notable authors and illustrators with an introduction by historian David McCullough. Ideal for sharing aloud at home or in the classroom, activities and additional resources are up-to-date at a companion website(opens in a new window).

Children describe the basic duties of the U.S. President, from campaign speeches to lighting the national Christmas tree. Cheery illustrations, simple text, and the position’s more pleasurable duties create a fine introduction to the office for younger children.

An inspired teacher, the discovery of the fact that all U.S. Presidents (so far) have been male, and a tenacious girl provide the basis of a satisfying, surprisingly plausible story that explains the voting process in this country — including the Electoral College.

George Washington is well known not only as the first President of the United States, but also for his legendary dental problem. The rhyming countdown (as GW heads toward no teeth at all) introduces an historical figure with humor, verve, and real (if unusual) information.