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Abe's Honest Words

Publication Information

Author: Rappaport, Doreen

Illustrator: Nelson, Kadir

Title: Abe's Honest Words

Date: 2008

Publisher: Hyperion

City: New York

ISBN, paperback:

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL: Yes

Family: Yes

Young Adult: Yes

Picture: Yes

General Information:

Book Type(s): biography and autobiography, easy reading, nonfiction, reference, speeches

HSE Descriptor(s): social studies

Summary:

As part of Rappaport's series of well researched biographies that includes excerpts from speeches this is equally engaging and well developed. The narrative that contextualizes the life and times of Abraham Lincoln is enhanced by quotes from Lincoln's writing and speeches. An accessible summary of his evolution to president and his character are presented here and the Kadir Nelson illustrations beautifully support and extend the story.

Teaching Ideas:

This must be read aloud, in two voices - one Abe, the other narrator to bring this text to life. --- a picture walk through these incredibly illustrated pages would activate prior knowledge. Special note could be made of all the scenarios where there is reading and writing going on. --- A graphic organizer to sequence the events of his life would help with understanding times and places, especially if personal events are noted above the timeline and national events below the timeline to frame his life in times. --- the text emphasizes the many times he had setbacks, lost elections - this would lend itself to think-pair-share discussions. --- Most students know something about Lincoln such that a KWL might frame the reading of the story, visited several times throughout the book. --- Lincoln is shown writing several times and so unsent letters at various points in the story would add to thinking about issues and understanding the character of Lincoln. He lost several sons so perhaps the letters could be to them.

Teaching Strategies: