Abe Lincoln Remembers by Ann Turner (Illustrated by Wendell Minor)

Abe Lincoln Remembers was written by Ann Turner and illustrated by Wendell Minor. Abe Lincoln Remembers is written from Abraham Lincoln's perspective, recalling past events that led him to where is: President of the United States and waiting to attend a play with his wife Mary.

   Ann Turner does a fantastic job retelling some of the events in Lincoln's life from his perspective. While older students would see that the writing style is not Lincoln's, younger children will be drawn to the poetic flow of the story.

   Abe Lincoln Remembers is categorized as a biography. However, the author's note at the end states that while the book "is based on historical facts, it is a work of fiction" (Turner). Turner goes on to say that the book "should not be read as a biography but rather an imaginative exploration" of Lincoln's life. 

   Wendell Minor uses beautiful paintings to illustrate Abraham Lincoln's life. The paintings are bright and eye catching. 

For Teachers: 

   Abe Lincoln Remembers would be a great book in a kindergarten through second grade setting as an imaginative story. It is a good stepping stone to introduce students to Abraham Lincoln or even the Civil War. February would be an ideal time to teach about Lincoln as his birthday falls in this month. Further activities to teach students about Lincoln could include: 

• President: Have students create a Presidential timeline. Where does Lincoln fit? Who are some of the other Presidents? 
• Gettysburg Address: Read the Gettysburg Address. Have older students analyze parts of the address. 
• Lincoln: Have students research more about Lincoln: who he was, what he did, what he stood for. Several plays can be found online for younger students to put on. 
• Writing: Abe Lincoln Remembers is written like a memoir. Have students recall one thing in their lives that they feel was important and write it down. 
• Discussion questions: What was your favorite event of Lincoln's life? Do you think Lincoln had to work hard to become a lawyer and then President? What war was Lincoln talking about that had North fighting against South? 

My Thoughts: 

  As a work of fictionized events I thought it was very well written. I think younger students will be drawn to the informal nature of facts delivered. The paintings are very beautiful and I wish I could have a couple of them hanging in my house. 

Additional Resources: 

Other book on Abraham Lincoln: 

• Abe's Honest Words by Doreen Rappaport
• Young Abe Lincoln by Cheryl Harness
• Abraham Lincoln Comes Home by Robert Burleigh
• Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln by Judith St. George

These are just a select few of the many books available. More books on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War can be found at any local library or online. 

Reference: 

Turner, A. (2001). Abe Lincoln Remembers. Cambridge, MA: HarperCollins Publishers