I am Abraham Lincoln

My Thoughts:
This past weekend, I attended the Illinois Reading Conference in Springfield, Illinois.  While I was there, I bought a truckload of books, including I am Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer.  This book is a mini-biography about Abraham Lincoln in a graphic novel format. Brad Meltzer, the book's author, won an Eisner award for his comic book, Justice League of America. Besdies I am Abraham Lincoln, Meltzer has written other books in his "Ordinary People Change the World" series: I am Amelia Earhart, I am Rosa Parks, I am Albert Einstein, and others.

Meltzer's book follows Abraham Lincoln from childhood through his presidency.  His love for animals, people, and justice are highlighted in this text.  Some minor artistic liberties are taken once in a while to add humor, but for the most part, this book stays very true to Lincoln's life.

My students were very engaged when I read this book to them.  They enjoyed that it depicts Lincoln's life in a graphic novel format.  I give this book five stars out of five.  This book will be one I use year after year when I teach about Abraham Lincoln!

Pixie's Thoughts:

Woof! I love that this book promotes kindness to all people and animals! I give this book 5 stars for its great message!

Here I am (in the blue sweatshirt) with a teacher friend at
the Illinois Reading Conference.

Brad Meltzer's Author Page

Keeping This Blog

I've decided to keep this blog going, even though I have completed my Reluctant Reader project.  I love children's books, and I want to keep sharing the good ones that I find! I have also decided to branch off to include other formats and genres beside the graphic novel format.  Pixie has decided to continue blogging with me, too! So then...on we go!

End of Project Reflection

A Note from Mary and Pixie

Hmm! I've never actually ended a blog.  The Reluctant Reader project has been an interesting experience that leaves me with a strong sense of accomplishment.  Here are some things I feel I've accomplished from participating in this project:

• I can name several titles of graphic novels now.  Before this project, I couldn't name even one.
• I know the names of several authors of graphic novels, which I was also unable to do before this project. 
• I am now aware that there are several different genres represented within the graphic novel format. Biography, fairy tale, picture book, and historic fiction are some examples of some of the genres that can be found in graphic novel format. 
• I also realize now that graphic novels appeal to a diverse population, from first graders to adults. 
• If one of my students would like to find a graphic novel to read, I feel I can suggest some titles that would be appropriate for him based on his interests and level.

In the midst of this project, I told my professor that I would rate my enjoyment level of graphic novels at a 5 or 6 out of 10.  At the end of the project, I would rate my enjoyment of graphic novels at a 9 out of 10.  I was pleased by the variety of genres within this format.

Below is a ranking of the books I read for the project based on my level of enjoyment.  The books I enjoyed most are at the top of the list and the ones I enjoyed least are at the bottom of the list:

The Whole World's Crazy: Amelia Rules 

Knights of the Lunch Table: Dodge Ball Chronicles

To Dance

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Binky the Space Cat

The Boxcar Children

Let's Go for a Drive

The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School

Dolley Madison, Salva La Historia

Happy Birthday Bad Kitty

Owly: The Way Home and the Bittersweet Summer

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Sybil, the Backpack Fairy # 1: Nina

So long, Reluctant Reader project! I learned a lot from you, and I am looking forward to seeing more graphic novel titles at a bookstore, Amazon, or a school near me very soon!