Heroes - Lives to Learn From
February
Love of Country Loyalty Honesty & Justice
February
Love of Country Loyalty Honesty & Justice
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
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It is hard to imagine an individual who embodies honesty, love of country, loyalty, and concern for justice more fully than Abraham Lincoln. Our blog post in February (Telling Our Stories) spotlights Lincoln's honesty. The books below showcase various aspects of this extraordinary man's life. Our sixteenth president came from humble beginnings and experienced a great deal of failure and tragedy in his life. He led the nation through its darkest hour (the Civil War) and signed the Emancipation Proclamation that would end of slavery. Lincoln persevered through his many trials, never losing his inner compass, nor his sense of humor. This February we celebrate his lifelong dedication to the ideals of the republic he helped create: liberty, equality, and justice. His personal credo:
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." |
Abraham Lincoln: A Man for All the People. Myra C. Livingston
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (K-2)
A poetic retelling of the life that embodied perseverance, courage, and devotion to the ideals of his country.
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (K-2)
A poetic retelling of the life that embodied perseverance, courage, and devotion to the ideals of his country.
Abe Lincoln Remembers. Ann Turner.
Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Harper Collins, 2001. (2-4) Courage, Humility, Kindness This deceptively simple book yields profound insight into our nation's 16th president. On the night that Lincoln will attend Ford's Theater with his wife, he looks back on his life from log-cabin childhood to the presidency. Emerging from its beautifully illustrated pages is the story of a kind, humble, forgiving man, who loved his country, led it in hard times, and grieved over the deaths of the Civil War, even while he rejoiced in freedoms won. This is not a history text, but a personal portrait of a man who learned from his frontier boyhood, sought his own freedom (from his father as a young man), read voraciously, studied and worked hard, loved his wife ("bright and brave, like a flag crackling in the wind") and children ("though I didn't like it when Tad drove his cart and goats down the White House hall.") and most of all the nation he served. A wonderful way for US to remember Abe Lincoln. Excellent fit with the Core Knowledge Civil War units in second grade. |
Vinnie and Abraham. Dawn Fitzgerald
Illustrated by Catherine Stock. Charlesbridge, 2009. (2-5) Inspiring picture-book biography of Vinnie Ream, the self-taught artist and accomplished American sculptress, who never gave up. Born (1847) and raised in the Wisconsin territory, she was admiring of, and eager to sculpt, Abraham Lincoln. When she and her family moved to DC during the Civil War, Vinnie managed to convince the President to sit for her. After Lincoln's assassination, she became (at 18) the youngest artist and first woman to receive a federal commission. She sculpted, from marble, the Lincoln statue that now stands in the Capitol (statuary hall). The book is a tribute to her persistence, courage to step outside prescribed bounds, and great love for a great man. |
Honest Abe’s Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln. Doreen Rappaport.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Hyperion Books, 2008 (2-4) A poetic and beautifully illustrated presentation of Lincoln’s life and accomplishments. Rappaport weaves Lincoln’s own words into her text, which follows him from lanky backwoods boy to leader of the nation locked in a deadly civil war to end slavery. Compellingly told, an outstanding introduction to the work of Lincoln, slavery, and the Civil War. The Gettysburg Address closes the book. |
The Gettysburg Address. Abraham Lincoln.
Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Houghton Mifflin, 1995. (2) Haunting black and white drawings illustrate one of the simplest and most direct statements of our nation’s meaning. |
Abe Lincoln at Last! (Magic Treehouse Book: Merlin Mission) Mary Pope Osborne. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. Chapter book, 144pages. Random House, 2013 (2-5)
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Abraham Lincoln: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Treehouse Abe Lincoln at Last! Mary Pope Osborne, Natalie Pope Boynce. Random House , 2011
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In February, when we celebrate Presidents’ Day and focus on the civic virtues,
the Core Virtues program showcases a variety of American heroes and heroines,
who embody civic courage and concern for justice.
George Washington, Molly Pitcher, Frederick Douglas, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Jane Addams are all exemplars.
February is also Black History Month. Be sure to check out the Black History Month tab in the Holidays and More section. You'll find many additional biographies and stories there.
A Picture Book of George Washington. David Adler.
Illustrated by John and Alexandra Wallner. Holiday House, 1990. (K-3)
A simple and clear introduction to “the indispensable man." his youth, commander of American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first President.
Illustrated by John and Alexandra Wallner. Holiday House, 1990. (K-3)
A simple and clear introduction to “the indispensable man." his youth, commander of American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first President.
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride Andrea Pinkney.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Hyperiond, 2009. (K-3)
An outstanding read-aloud, this true story of Belle Baumfree traces her youth in slavery, her escape to freedom, and her new life in freedom when she took the name Sojourner Truth, speaking out against slavery. The husband-wife team of Andrea and Brian Pinkney bring the spirit of this hopeful, fiery, and deeply religious woman to life, as she stepped, stomped, and strode her way across the United States to advocate for freedom and women's rights.
Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Hyperiond, 2009. (K-3)
An outstanding read-aloud, this true story of Belle Baumfree traces her youth in slavery, her escape to freedom, and her new life in freedom when she took the name Sojourner Truth, speaking out against slavery. The husband-wife team of Andrea and Brian Pinkney bring the spirit of this hopeful, fiery, and deeply religious woman to life, as she stepped, stomped, and strode her way across the United States to advocate for freedom and women's rights.
Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies and
Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation. Cokie Roberts.
Illustrated by Diane Goode. Harper Collins, 2014 and Harper Collins, 2016.
(Love of Country, 1-4)
In this pair of lively, well-written books journalist Cokie Roberts introduces children to the women who built and bettered our nation. Her Founding Mothers book (2014) highlights the lives and accomplishments of quintessential Founding Mothers, Abigail Adams and Martha Washington, but also spotlights lesser known figures such as Mercy Otis Warren, the first person to write a comprehensive history of the American Revolution. The expected and unexpected combine in both volumes. In Ladies of Liberty (2017) Roberts heroines include explorer Sacajawea, African-American poet Lucy Prince, educator Mother Elizabeth Seton, reformers and defenders of the orphaned, widowed, and poor: Eliza Hamilton and Rebecca Gratz. And many more!
Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation. Cokie Roberts.
Illustrated by Diane Goode. Harper Collins, 2014 and Harper Collins, 2016.
(Love of Country, 1-4)
In this pair of lively, well-written books journalist Cokie Roberts introduces children to the women who built and bettered our nation. Her Founding Mothers book (2014) highlights the lives and accomplishments of quintessential Founding Mothers, Abigail Adams and Martha Washington, but also spotlights lesser known figures such as Mercy Otis Warren, the first person to write a comprehensive history of the American Revolution. The expected and unexpected combine in both volumes. In Ladies of Liberty (2017) Roberts heroines include explorer Sacajawea, African-American poet Lucy Prince, educator Mother Elizabeth Seton, reformers and defenders of the orphaned, widowed, and poor: Eliza Hamilton and Rebecca Gratz. And many more!
Two Friends. Dean Robbins. Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko. Orchard Books, 2016
(K-3) Justice, Civic Courage, Friendship
Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas were neighbors in mid-nineteenth century Rochester, New York. Each was self-taught, and grew up experiencing discrimination of the time (directed toward women and African Americans). Each worked diligently for the rights of their communities - for education, for the vote, and for equal opportunity in public life. Not surprisingly, the two became friends. In this book, on a snowy evening, they reminisce on their parallel struggles. Susan and Frederick supported each other’s causes, hopeful of success, and confident of the just nature of their endeavors. (The book does whitewash tough stuff: the friendship was strained to breaking when Douglass failed to support women's rights as part of the fifteenth amendment that granted black men the right to vote, but the volume is not incorrect in stating that he theoretically supported the cause; just not at that moment.)
(K-3) Justice, Civic Courage, Friendship
Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas were neighbors in mid-nineteenth century Rochester, New York. Each was self-taught, and grew up experiencing discrimination of the time (directed toward women and African Americans). Each worked diligently for the rights of their communities - for education, for the vote, and for equal opportunity in public life. Not surprisingly, the two became friends. In this book, on a snowy evening, they reminisce on their parallel struggles. Susan and Frederick supported each other’s causes, hopeful of success, and confident of the just nature of their endeavors. (The book does whitewash tough stuff: the friendship was strained to breaking when Douglass failed to support women's rights as part of the fifteenth amendment that granted black men the right to vote, but the volume is not incorrect in stating that he theoretically supported the cause; just not at that moment.)
Moses:When Harriet Tubman Led her People to Freedom
Carole Boston Weatherford.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Hyperion, 2006. (Justice, K-4)
A model of faith and courage, Harriet Tubman gazes at the night sky and hears the voice of the Lord, calling her to freedom. Confident of God's faithfulness, she escapes the harsh reality of slavery, and dedicates herself to freeing others. She became for slaves their "Moses," leading them out of oppression on the Underground Railroad. Stark, dramatic, and beautiful illustrations trace this humble woman's journey.
Carole Boston Weatherford.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Hyperion, 2006. (Justice, K-4)
A model of faith and courage, Harriet Tubman gazes at the night sky and hears the voice of the Lord, calling her to freedom. Confident of God's faithfulness, she escapes the harsh reality of slavery, and dedicates herself to freeing others. She became for slaves their "Moses," leading them out of oppression on the Underground Railroad. Stark, dramatic, and beautiful illustrations trace this humble woman's journey.
Adler, David. A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass.
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (2-4)
Life story of one of the first African-American publishers and most important spokesmen for black Civil Rights.
Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. Holiday, 1993. (2-4)
Life story of one of the first African-American publishers and most important spokesmen for black Civil Rights.
They Called Her Molly Pitcher. Anne Rockwell.
Illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler. Dragonfly Books, 2006. (3-5)
She was the only female sergeant in the American Revolutionary army. This is a vivid account of how Mary Hays, the feisty wife of a revolutionary soldier, accompanied her husband to Valley Forge, helping troops endure the bitter winter there, then stayed on with the soldiers through the blistering summer on the battlefield. She brought water to the wounded and heat-stricken (and acquired her nickname “Molly Pitcher”). She secured her own place in history when she took charge of the cannon when her husband was wounded in the middle of battle. George Washington made her a sergeant for her efforts. A story of faithfulness to husband, country, and ideals, as well as incredible courage.
Illustrated by Cynthia von Buhler. Dragonfly Books, 2006. (3-5)
She was the only female sergeant in the American Revolutionary army. This is a vivid account of how Mary Hays, the feisty wife of a revolutionary soldier, accompanied her husband to Valley Forge, helping troops endure the bitter winter there, then stayed on with the soldiers through the blistering summer on the battlefield. She brought water to the wounded and heat-stricken (and acquired her nickname “Molly Pitcher”). She secured her own place in history when she took charge of the cannon when her husband was wounded in the middle of battle. George Washington made her a sergeant for her efforts. A story of faithfulness to husband, country, and ideals, as well as incredible courage.
Jane Addams: Pioneer Social Worker. Charnan Simon.
Children’s Press, 1998. (3-6)
An amply illustrated presentation of the civic heroine, Jane Addams, who was devoted to helping those in need. This third to sixth grade treatment introduces young readers to the remarkable woman who founded Chicago’s Hull House, aiding immigrants and other laborers through education, day care for their children, self-help clubs and even an introduction to American art and culture.
Children’s Press, 1998. (3-6)
An amply illustrated presentation of the civic heroine, Jane Addams, who was devoted to helping those in need. This third to sixth grade treatment introduces young readers to the remarkable woman who founded Chicago’s Hull House, aiding immigrants and other laborers through education, day care for their children, self-help clubs and even an introduction to American art and culture.
Washington at Valley Forge. Russell Freedman.
Holiday House, 2008 (4-8)
Loyalty to and love of country is often tested under the direst of circumstances, and George Washington was up to the task. Russell Freedman pens this compelling, amply illustrated account of the brutal winter at Valley Forge (1777). Deprived of food, supplies, and even clothing, the revolutionary army endured enormous privation but was led by the tireless and resourceful George Washington. His efforts to rebuild supply lines, lift morale, maintain discipline and reward his men’s faithfulness to ideals were a lasting and cherished legacy.
Holiday House, 2008 (4-8)
Loyalty to and love of country is often tested under the direst of circumstances, and George Washington was up to the task. Russell Freedman pens this compelling, amply illustrated account of the brutal winter at Valley Forge (1777). Deprived of food, supplies, and even clothing, the revolutionary army endured enormous privation but was led by the tireless and resourceful George Washington. His efforts to rebuild supply lines, lift morale, maintain discipline and reward his men’s faithfulness to ideals were a lasting and cherished legacy.
Jane Addams: Champion of Democracy. Dennis Brindell Fradin and Judith Bloom Fradin. Clarion, 2006. (5-6)
This young adult biography introduces students to the tireless and resourceful civic heroine, Jane Addams (1860-1935), whose life was devoted to helping others realize the American promises of opportunity and possibility. She is primarily remembered for her work to aid immigrants with the establishment of Hull House in Chicago. She also advocated for women’s suffrage and then civil rights (helping to found the NAACP), and worked for international peace in the early twentieth century, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935.
This young adult biography introduces students to the tireless and resourceful civic heroine, Jane Addams (1860-1935), whose life was devoted to helping others realize the American promises of opportunity and possibility. She is primarily remembered for her work to aid immigrants with the establishment of Hull House in Chicago. She also advocated for women’s suffrage and then civil rights (helping to found the NAACP), and worked for international peace in the early twentieth century, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935.