If you please, President Lincoln
by Harriette Robinet
Atheneum Books for Young Readers 1995
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- freedom
- family
- courage
- perseverance
- justice
- hope
- civil rights
- survival
About this book
Set during the Civil War, this historical novel follows a brave young person who seeks help from President Abraham Lincoln to keep their family together and find freedom. Through perilous journeys and hard choices, the story shows what courage and determination look like in a time of great change. Readers get a close look at daily life, the risks enslaved families faced, and the hope that fueled them. It’s an engaging, accessible read for middle-grade students who enjoy history with heart and adventure.
Setting: United States during the Civil War (1860s), including Washington, D.C.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is If you please, President Lincoln right for my child?
Yes — If you please, President Lincoln is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include freedom, family, courage.
How long does it take to read If you please, President Lincoln?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, If you please, President Lincoln takes around 3.9h to finish. The book has 39,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does If you please, President Lincoln have an AR quiz?
Yes — If you please, President Lincoln has an AR quiz available, worth 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 If you please, President Lincoln?
If you please, President Lincoln has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.