Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale (Introducing His Forgotten…

This is the story that Abe Lincoln is reported to have told many times. It is a story of true friendship. I would use this book to teach onomatopoeia, verbs, and adverbs. ( )

This tall tale relates a fictional account of Abe Lincoln and his childhood friend attempting to cross a creek when they were children. Hopkinson uses a friendly narrative style that is reminiscent of oral storytelling. The illustrator, John Hendrix, becomes a character in the story when the narrator asks him to adjust drawings and create new pictures. In the classroom this book could be used to teach lessons on tall tales and meta-fiction.

This is a unique tale both in its story and design. The author narrates the tale, often speaking directly to the reader and sometimes the illustrator, of young Lincoln and his childhood companion Gollaher. The two boys ignore warnings to stay away from the raging river and attempt to cross in search of wild partridges. Gollaher makes it across, but Lincoln falls in. The narrator gets excited and interrupts the text, dialogue, and illustrator of the story several times. Very unusual. A must read, especially for those who are intrigued by the create your own adventure genre.

In the classroom: perspective or point of view; US presidents; metafiction; historical fiction; alternate endings, friendship ( )

This story is about Lincoln's friendship with his neighbor Benjamin Austin Gollaher. This story would be great to add to a discussion with students about Abraham Lincoln. ( )

Students are never too young to learn history and this piece of historical fiction (based on a true story as verified by another reviewer) is a fun vehicle for that. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to relate to a great and influential man and president.