When Abraham Talked to the Trees by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

When Abraham Talked to the Trees by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

Van Steenwyk, E. (2000). When Abraham Talked to the Trees. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books.

Nonfiction Biography

          This book revisits the life of the renowned Abraham Lincoln as an adolscent, growing into the persona to become the 16th president of the United States of America. In the book, young Abraham was very nervous when it came to speaking out, however he had so many inspiring things to say. When he did build up the courage speak on them, he became so comfortable that he wouldn't stop, even when no one was listening anymore. Abrham conintued to voice his opinion on the imporatance of the subject, even though he was merely talking to the trees that were the only things left around him. Even though no one wanted to listen to him as an adolscent, Abraham grew to become the presient of this country, becoming one of the most important people for folks to pay attention to when speaking.
           Not only does this book open up a discussion about the wonders of the 16th president and his accomplishments, but it also speaks inspiration to students. It gets them thinking about how influential they can be, even at a young age. How they can start now to prepare to be an important person to this country and this world later in life. I would read this book during a social studies unit that includes Abraham Lincoln, just to provide a perspective about Lincoln, other than of him being president. Children always learn about his great accomplishments and dealings as the president, including his issue of the Emancipation Proclamation and involvement in the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, however, they rarely see him as a young adolescent growing into that role. This book would provide that opportunity in my classroom. 

Abraham Lincoln Voki