Book Summary

On what turns out to be the eve of his assassination, President Abraham Lincoln sits patiently waiting for his wife, Mary. They're going out to see a play at Ford's Theater. Lincoln uses the quiet time to reflect on his life and his presidency. Simple yet compelling language and gorgeous artwork capture the spirit of an extraordinary man.

Subject Area: Autobiography, Historical Fiction

Reading Level: 3.0

Through the use of historical fiction, students will gain insight into the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, one of the United States' greatest presidents.

Standard: Students will use reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of literary texts.

Before Reading

Presidential Roll Call

Increase your students' knowledge of their presidents!

• Fasten a long (several feet) sheet of paper to your bulletin board or chalkboard.
• As a class, try to re-create a presidential time line. Have students name as many presidents as possible.
• With your students' help, place each president in the proper order in which he served.
• When you have finished with the Presidential Roll Call, assign each student a president (or two or more, depending on the size of your class).
• Ask each student to research his or her assigned president(s) and report back to the class one interesting tidbit or fact about that president.
• Record the facts on your presidential time line and leave the project up (if possible) for students to study during downtime.

Activities

Lincoln's Life

Abraham Lincoln accomplished quite a lot in his short life.

• After reading the book, ask each student to pick his or her favorite event from Lincoln's life.
• Which episode moved them the most? Why?
• Have each student write about the event from Lincoln's life that means the most to them. Have your students ever experienced something similar? What might they have done in Lincoln's place?
• When each student has finished, ask each to share their thoughts with the rest of the class.

About Me and My Time

Ann Turner's work of historical fiction presents what the president might have mused about his life.

• Although your students have lived much shorter lives, they've also had important experiences.
• Have your students think about the events that have shaped their lives. Did their family move? Was a sibling born? Did a pet join the household? Did a loved one die?
• Ask each student to record his or her autobiography, using words and pictures.

Other Books About Abraham Lincoln

Abe Lincoln's Hat
by Martha F. Brenner
A gently humorous examination of the life of Abe Lincoln. A slightly disorganized lawyer, he made his way relying on good will, friendliness, and – above all – honesty.

Honest Abe
by Edith Kunhardt
A simple and elegant retelling of the life of one of our most important presidents.

A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln
by David Adler
Clear text and engaging artwork follow Lincoln from boyhood through his presidency.

Other Books by Ann Turner

A Hunter Comes Home
Dakota Dugout
Rosemary's Witch
Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies

Lesson plan by Rebecca Gómez