Abe Lincoln's Hat

By Martha F. Brenner

Book Overview

How do you remember things? President Abraham Lincoln used a special trick -- he placed reminders under his top hat Read all about it and more in this leveled reader perfect for President's Day and for anyone looking to discover fun facts about one of our nation's greatest presidents This Step 3 History Reader shares some fascinating anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln, one of our greatest presidents. Abe started out in life as an absent-minded frontier lawyer. How did he nudge his memory? He stuck letters, court notes, contracts, and even his checkbook in his trademark top hat. When he took off his hat, it was all there Young readers will be utterly engaged with how Abe's humanity comes across in this accessible, easy-to-read book. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. These books are for children who are ready to read on their own.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679849777
• ISBN13: 9780679849773
• Release Date: April 1994
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Fun History Lesson

I read this book to my pre-K class, who just loved it. Learning about Lincoln's hat habit along with the other significant things in his life was great. It made the kids listen to the entire book (hard for some 4 and 5 year-olds). I even had one boy show up the next day with notes in his hat!! My 7-year-old son loves the book too.

An appealing light-hearted, but true, biography for kids

"Abe Lincoln's Hat" is a light-hearted, but true-to-the-facts, biography for young readers written at a 2.9 reading level. Unlike most biographies about Lincoln, it does not end with his assassination, which allows children to focus on his humanity. While Martha Brenner's book is written for kids to "step into reading," it works just as well as a read-aloud for primary grades.This 48 page title could have easily been arranged into chapters for students wanting to read a "chapter book," however it still meets a need for engaging non-fiction titles, notably biographies, for emerging readers.This title is much more appealing to kids than a similar book by Jean Fritz, "George Washington's Mother."Recommended.

Excellent Book for the Beginning Reader

From the "Step into Reading" series comes this humorous, well-illustrated, and engaging book, appropriately described as suitable for young readers in grades 1-3. And, with all the bad-mouthing of lawyers, it's nice to show kids that the legal system can be a powerful tool for justice, personified here in Abe Lincoln.That's the adult perspective. Kids will enjoy the humorous stories, evocative pictures, and Abe Lincoln's witty, winning ways in court. The book touches on the slavery issue, perhaps too briefly, but this can be a good starting point for further discussion. It also illustrates how Lincoln got along with his competitors (e.g., opposing lawyers, opponent Stephen Douglas). Presenting values without preaching, this is sure to delight the young reader.

Perfect For Introducing Lincoln To Young Readers

Brenner does an excellent job crafting the story of Lincoln with his stovepipe hat as a centerpiece! Full of interesting facts that humanize this icon, kids will love reading and rereading this book. The Step into Reading Series needs more of these historical pieces at this level!

Fantastic!

This step into reading book is a must for any elementary student's study of Abraham Lincoln. Our copy had been worn out from use. This book portrays Lincoln as fun-loving, compassionate and a little forgetful. He discovers that keeping important papers tucked inside his hat helps remind him of things to do. Illustrations are plentiful and appealing. The last page has photos of four people mentioned in the book. The photos were taken around 1860. The stories in the book are said to be true.