The Value of Respect: The Story of Abraham Lincoln

In this installment of the ValueTales series, Ann Donegan Johnson teaches respect with examples from the life of Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). The book tells the friendly and polite way Abe Lincoln's treated other people when he was America's president. He taught his son Tad that the best way to earn respect was to reat others with respect. Abe learned this lesson from his family, friends, and teachers while he was growing up on the frontier. When he was an adult it helped him get along with the people he worked with, first on the frontier, and then in the nation's government. Like other books in the ValueTales series, this book uses a real-life person to exemplify an important value. It is suitable for reading by children in the later elementary school grades. A "Historical Facts" section at the book's end summarizes Lincoln's life in a single-page bio form suitable for adults. Closing quote: "Abraham Lincoln realized that the things he learned in his childhood brought happiness to him throughout his life. Respect for others and being respected by them made Abe a happy person. If happiness is important to you, maybe you might want to bring respect into your life, too." (p. 62)

I have had this book since I was a child. I read it again and again. The book details the story of Lincoln's life while integrating the theme of respect. It is a perfect children's biography of his life. I have used it in the classroom to teach about Abe. The illustrations are wonderful. It is a very good book and I highly recommend it to everyone.