Abe’s Honest Words
March 3, 2009
We recently honored the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, our nation’s 16th president. Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln celebrates his unique life with great vibrancy and eloquence.
Early in the story we learn that Lincoln’s journey began deep in the woods of Kentucky. He endured the loss of his mother when he was only nine years old. Fortunately, his stepmother taught him to read and soon after Abraham always had a book in hand, even when he was working a field. Young readers will be inspired by Abraham’s drive to read and self-taught nature.
Lincoln listened intently to the words of those around him so much so that “He stored those different voices in his heart and wove them into his own words.” The story reminds us of Lincoln’s brave words throughout his life-not only those of his famous Gettysburg Address, but also of many powerful speeches that he made prior to that.
Lincoln noticed at a young age the inhumane treatment of slaves and committed his life to changing the situation. He said “I believe this government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free”. He led the country through a very difficult war, as well as issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln was often the sole voice of reason among voices of dissent, yet he held his ground and never stopped believing in a “…government of the people, by the people, and for the people…”
This book combines lush, full-paged illustrations by Kadir Nelson with the succinct and moving text of Doreen Rappaport to engage young readers. Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln is a story that is pertinent today, with its many inspiring themes including: a person overcoming tremendous odds to become a great leader; the power of reading; and the value of free speech.
Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln
By Doreen Rappaport
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
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