I am Abraham Lincoln (Ordinary People Change the World)

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.

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!

Great book! Delivered quickly!

Ordinary people change the world are very informative for young children and the illustrations are well done.

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!

I buy books for my nephew, who turned 1 on Christmas Day. This is definitely for an older reader to read independently, however my brother and sister-in-law read to him every day. I buy all ranges of books to add variety for them (the adults). This is a beautiful book and a wonderful series overall. They are wonderfully written and illustrated. I learned something new when I read them before wrapping them as a gift. I love that they are multi-gendered and multi-racial. Even more, I just love the tagline: Ordinary People Change the World. I was unaware of this series until I heard the author talking about it on a podcast. I am so glad I found out about them. I will definitely be adding the entire series to my nephew's library.

I buy a lot of grade school books for my granddaughters. They both are avid readers. Said they liked the book. That's the only feedback i got.

We love the whole series and since Abraham Lincoln is my son's favorite president, we needed to get this one as well Great 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.

Excellent children’s book that combined beautiful comic-style illustrations with a catchy narrative about a very famous historical character. The storyline is clear, interesting and well-told in such a manner that children can relate to young Abraham while they learn about 1840-1860’s. The colourful hard covered booklet comes very well presented. And thus it makes a brilliant present. Our daughter is a little older than the target audience at 9 years of age already into more serious literature. However she already has a few other books in this range and she adores each of these books. She has also been reading them to her younger brother - who is more interested in the colourful pictures than in Abraham Lincoln. The range of topics in this series can’t be praised enough. The only comment I would make it that the majority is US history oriented. The good thing is that the range addresses slightly less common famous historical characters. Our children now has a small collection of these books. These fairly thin and short booklets are not cheap. but as should be clear; they are really nice. And of good very good quality.

Every book in this series is amazing, highly recommended for every kid that loves to read.

This book was a part of the new series that I recently came across and I instantly fell in love. All the books in these series are based on true stories and the story is very encouraging. They are a bit expensive but I can assure you good quality visuals, story and paper and binding quality. We also bought I am (Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King and Helen Keller) from the series. My son is 4 and he is a bit young to understand the real meaning, but I am happy to have introduced these books to him, early!

Brilliant premise

I love the drawings and the storyline is a new one. Mr. Meltzer has a great sense of humour without losing the ideas of Lincoln. Again I like the real Lincoln picture too.