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Abraham Lincoln book cover

Abraham Lincoln

by Ingri Parin D'Aulaire, Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

Yearling 1987

★★★☆☆

Challenging read for K–3rd grade

Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range

5th grade English
64
Pages
0.5
AR Points
11m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Caldecott Medal

Genre

Biography

Themes

  • perseverance
  • honesty and integrity
  • leadership
  • frontier life
  • self-education
  • justice and equality
  • citizenship
  • humble beginnings

About this book

This classic picture-book biography follows Abraham Lincoln from his log-cabin childhood through his rise as a thoughtful leader who guided a nation through crisis. Rich, folk-art illustrations and clear storytelling make complex history accessible to young readers. It’s a great introduction to Lincoln’s character, frontier life, and the values of honesty, hard work, and fairness. Perfect for elementary readers and families exploring early American history together.

Setting: American frontier (Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois) and Washington, D.C., early to mid-1800s

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abraham Lincoln right for my child?

It depends — here's what to consider for Abraham Lincoln. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, honesty and integrity, leadership.

How long does it take to read Abraham Lincoln?

At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Abraham Lincoln takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Abraham Lincoln have an AR quiz?

Yes — Abraham Lincoln has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Abraham Lincoln?

Abraham Lincoln has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.