I am Abraham Lincoln (Ordinary People Change the World) Hardcover – Picture Book, January 14, 2014

The 5 star reviews on all of the books in this series don't lie. I have every one so far in my classroom library, just purchased "I Am Helen Keller" and am eagerly anticipating "I Am Martin Luther King, Jr." I would review each one individually if I had the time. There's not much to be said that other reviewers haven't covered but these are absolutely fantastic biographies for young readers. As a Kindergarten teacher, as high a priority as superheroes, princesses, and other fantasy characters are in their lives, my students are always fascinated by stories about real people in history and amazed that these people actually lived, did very real and very important things, and were kids once, too. What I love, other than the appealing and detailed illustrations, is how perfectly the author handles the often "difficult to explain to a five year old" topics that made the subjects of the books noteworthy. It's so hard to find biographies for early elementary kids that don't water down historical information but still present it in a very age-appropriate way like these do. Young children can and should learn about racism, slavery, prejudices, life challenges, and other tough topics and it can definitely done in a way they understand. Beyond that, the recurring message is that otherwise normal people with lives, families, and circumstances similar to their own can do amazing things and change the world for the better. That's not only incredibly powerful for them, it's something that they take away from the stories without it even having to be explained. Just as a recent example, I currently have a student who is enthralled with all things science and is dead-set on being a scientist when he grows up. By chance, he picked out the book on Albert Einstein, we read it together, and he beamed when he found out who Einstein actually was and learned what led him to become a scientist. It's also incredibly interesting to read anecdotes and facts about the childhoods of these famous historical figures get an otherwise rare glimpse at what they were like growing up. Each time I read one to my class, I learn a number of things I've never heard before. I'm excited to see that Meltzer is continuing to regularly add to the series and will purchase any others that he puts out. They're all great but, in addition to Lincoln, we also particularly enjoy Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson.

We love the whole series and since Abraham Lincoln is my son's favorite president, we needed to get this one as wellGreat facts delivered in a kid friendly way. Beautifully illustrated book, easy language, but factual. Hard cover and great paper quality. Even adults can learn a lot.

Brad Meltzer delivers an interesting, inspiring book about the life of Abraham Lincoln. Young readers will learn what Abraham Lincoln believed in during childhood, and as President. This delightful story tells about how much Abraham Lincoln enjoyed reading and writing, and why these good habits were important. The author also introduces the topic of how we sometimes are forced to deal with bullies, and why it's important to stand up for what you believe in.In addition, Brad Meltzer includes in this intriguing story why cheating is unfair, hurting animals is wrong, and doing the right thing will make you a better person. The story also teaches self-respect, and the true meaning of freedom, and justice for all.This interesting story also discusses why slavery is wrong, and the Civil War is included in the story as it defines why it was important to fight for freedom, and end slavery, and the war. The author highlights that all men are created equal, why our voice is to be heard when something is wrong, and why injustice should not be allowed. Most important, the young reader learns how much Abraham Lincoln was dedicated to freedom and justice for all in America, as he believed that our voice is our strength. This inspiring book teaches history, and many other lessons to be learned. The colorful illustrations make this story come to life. Motivating, inspiring, and educational. Highly recommended for young readers, teachers, and parents!

I cannot rave enough about this series of books. My (then) 6 year old son was given I am Albert Einstein last year, and he was instantly enchanted with the man, seeking out more and more information about him and recognizing some of the struggles Einstein faced as being similar to his own experiences with bullies and schools.After such a positive (educational and emotional) experience with that one, we picked up I am Rosa Parks a few weeks ago. And amazingly, the same thing happened! Meltzer must really understand kids, because he creates books that they not only LOVE, but that explain complex cultural and social ideas (and hugely embarrassing moments in US history), and break them down in a way that is clear to small children but that does not sugar coat or try to justify/explain.I seriously cannot say enough wonderful things about this series. We just got I am Abraham Lincoln yesterday and already my kid is dying to learn more about the 16th president!

My son enjoyed reading this book and learning about Abraham Lincoln. In kindergarten he learned a little about him and wanted to know more. Great book to have in you collection. Illustration is cute and overall it's a really good read for little ones.

I bought this book for my granddaughter who was five at the time, and who is now 6 1/2. This book and Brad's "I am Amelia Earhart" are still her two favorite books, and she pulls them out of the bookcase for me to read to her. We discuss the pictures and the stories. I love the encouragement found in these books to be true to yourself and to your values. I love the inspiration to follow your dreams, and to dream big.There are no other books that I've found that give our children those necessary "heroes" to inspire them, and to teach them, as Brad Meltzer says, "Ordinary People Change the World". I eagerly await (and have pre-ordered) the rest of the series.I believe these are a Great addition to any parent/grandparents' library. It would be wonderful to have these in school and public libraries, too!