Young Lincoln: A Selected Bibliography

September 15th, 2018
Abe Lincoln is growing up on the American frontier in Indiana. It's cold, there isn't usually enough to eat, there's nothing at all to read, and the one job that awaits him is farmer, like his overbearing father. But a chance to travel down the Mississippi river offers Abe the opportunity to see and meet people he has never dreamed of. Abe's eyes are opened and he can't go back to being the boy he was before. With the help of his friends, Abe will strike out to find his own path. Obstacles wait around every river bend, and the shadow of death is never far, but nothing will stop him from becoming the man he knows he can be. You might think you know the end of his story, but you have no idea what it took to get there. Researched and written by award-winning educator, Jan Jacobi, Young Lincoln brings history to life through a familiar hero who will jump off the page. For ages 12-16. Jan Jacobi will discuss Young Lincoln on September 22 at 3pm.
 
Honor’s Voice, by Douglas Wilson - This is a book for adults about Lincoln’s years in New Salem and his early years in Springfield. A young reader, who wants to take on a challenge and who is inspired by the young Lincoln in my book, could read this book to learn more about him.
 
Robinson Crusoe, by Danel Defoe - This is one of the books Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln brought with her from Kentucky. It was one of the first books young Abraham read. He had to have felt for Robinson Crusoe who spent so much of his time alone on his island.
 
The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery - This may be my favorite book. It’s really about how the aviator deals with his loneliness when the Little Prince returns to his planet to look after his rose. 
 
Watership Down, by Richard Adams - This is really a book about leadership. Which of the rabbits do you think most resembles Abraham Lincoln?
 
About Jan Jacobi: Career educator and Lincoln enthusiast, Jan Jacobi lives in St. Louis, where he teaches at the St. Michael School of Clayton. In 2014, he was recognized as Middle School Teacher of the Year by St. Louis Magazine. For 27 years Mr. Jacobi served as Head of Lower School at St. Louis Country Day School and Head of Middle School at MICDS. He is very tall, and some of the students thought he looked like Abe Lincoln, particularly when he spoke to them in assemblies wearing a top hat. It was on a seventh grade field trip to New Salem that Mr. Jacobi became deeply interested in Lincoln’s time there. Mr. Jacobi loves stargazing, gardening, and like Abraham Lincoln, reading the newspapers.
Posted in: