Abraham Lincoln: Letters from a Slave Girl (Dear Mr. President)
Dear Mr. President Series
on Goodreads (39)
What’s inside...
The Dear Mr. President series brings history alive through fictitious correspondence between a president and a young person. These thought-provoking letters provide valuable insights into important moments in American history through their portrayal of issues from other times. Although the letters are imagined, they are all based upon meticulous historical research. To capture each president's personality and the voice of the youth of each time period, the authors draw on definitive books, firsthand interviews, and other reliable sources. Elegantly designed in two colors, the books include photographs, illustrations, maps, primary source material, reproductions of actual letters, a presidential biography, U.S. postal history, timelines, and an index. The interactive Web footnotes throughout the books are a unique feature of the Dear Mr. President series. These footnotes point readers to the series Web page at winslowpress.com for further information on a particular topic. This invaluable Web page encourages individual exploration, expertly guiding visitors through the vast resources of the Internet. There they will find primary source materials, links, historical sites, interactive games, and activities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
136 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ann felt when she wrote her letters to President Lincoln?
Why is it important to learn about the experiences of people from the past like Ann?
What would you have done if you were in Ann's situation?
How do you think Abraham Lincoln’s responses to Ann’s letters might have affected her?
What can we learn from the courage shown by Ann and other young people in history?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to their everyday experiences. Help them make connections between historical events and the present day. Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding diverse perspectives. Highlight the power of communication and how it can lead to change. Use a globe or map to help locate places mentioned in the book, enhancing geographical awareness alongside historical learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book provides insight into the struggles and injustices faced by a young slave girl, encouraging readers to empathize with her experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and understand feelings and perspectives of others who are different from themselves, fostering inclusivity and kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: Through the portrayal of historical events and personal challenges faced by the characters, the book educates children about America's past concerning slavery.
Real-World Application: This awareness can help children appreciate the importance of history in shaping our present and future, promoting a deeper understanding of societal developments.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist's journey demonstrates perseverance despite overwhelming hardships, illustrating the strength of human spirit.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own challenges with courage and determination, understanding that they can overcome obstacles with persistence.
Example Lesson: The importance of literacy
Explanation: The ability to read and write plays a crucial role in the protagonist's life, providing her with a form of expression and a path to freedom.
Real-World Application: Emphasizes to children the value of education and self-expression through literacy, encouraging them to pursue learning and personal development.
Example Lesson: Justice and advocacy
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of fighting for justice and advocating for the rights of oneself and others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of standing up for what is right and supporting others who may not have a voice, fostering a sense of moral responsibility.