Mr. Lincoln's way
Puffin Books 2001
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- empathy
- bullying and kindness
- prejudice and respect
- mentorship
- belonging and inclusion
- nature and animals
- personal growth
- school community
About this book
When a caring elementary school principal notices that a troubled student lights up around birds, he invites the child to help create a bird habitat at school. Their shared project becomes a bridge to trust, helping the boy find kinder ways to express himself and belong. Patricia Polacco’s warm, detailed art and heartfelt storytelling open gentle conversations about empathy, bullying, and respect. A powerful read‑aloud for families and classrooms in the early grades.
Setting: a modern-day elementary school with a bird atrium
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mr. Lincoln's way right for my child?
Yes — Mr. Lincoln's way is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.5, which is typical for 3rd 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 empathy, bullying and kindness, prejudice and respect.
How long does it take to read Mr. Lincoln's way?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Mr. Lincoln's way takes around 14m to finish. The book has 1,950 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mr. Lincoln's way have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mr. Lincoln's way 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 Mr. Lincoln's way?
Mr. Lincoln's way has an AR reading level of 3.5, which places it at a 3rd 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.