First in the children’s picture book series, I Am Abraham Lincoln, is both quirky, for the cartoon illustrations and anachronistic references, and earnest, as young Lincoln develops his voice for justice by putting a stop to animal abuse and bullying.
Lincoln discovers that in his voice and character is his greatest power for good. “In life, strength can take many forms. But there’s nothing quite as strong as standing up for someone who needs it.”
In this and the rest of the series, as well as through the matching line of t-shirts, Meltzer’s message to his young readers is you, too, can be a real-life hero.
The series is well done, according to local Barnes and Noble bookseller Debbie Poynter. “It’s written at a second- or third-grade reading level with good cartoonish illustrations as well as photos at the end that show this book is about a real person,” says the former children’s librarian. “Dial is a very good publisher, including a special department for young readers.”
It’s easy to compare these latest portraits to the alphabet books, coloring books and biographies that have gone before. “Some of it you have to take with a grain of salt,” Poynter says, referring to Lincoln’s recurring reference to being on the penny. And, while Poynter likes Amelia Earhart’s “girl power” message, emphasizing the “‘Yes I can!’ trailblazing spirit,” she observes that it doesn’t deal with the mystery of her last flight.
Parents will have to decide how to deal with the ends of such portraits. But using these books as springboards for conversations about character, compassion and conviction can work. For table talk and bedtime book time, parents who read these cute, nonthreatening books can explore what goes on in their children’s lives that calls for courage, passion, honesty, loyalty, hard work, sacrifice. What do those words mean? When can you go it alone, and when do you need to call in trusted family and friends for support? What’s right and wrong? What is integrity? And what do you do when courage costs?
DiAnne Crown is a former editor of Springfield Parent Magazine and a children’s book collector for more than 40 years.
Each hardcover book retails for $12.99. I Am Abraham Lincoln, 978-0-8037-4083-9; I Am Amelia Earhart, 978-0-8037-4082-2; I Am Rosa Parks, 978-0-8037-4085-3.
