Genre 4 - Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country)

Krull, Kathleen & Brewer, Paul. Lincoln Tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country). Boston: Harcourt Children’s Books, 2010.

ISBN: 978-0-15-206639-0

PLOT SUMMARY

Lincoln Tells a Joke is a biography written about Abraham Lincoln. This story documents events in Lincoln’s life from when he was a small boy to his assassination in 1865. Krull and Brewer explain that Lincoln had quite a personality and loved laughter and joking around despite how his demeanor made him seem. We learn that though President Lincoln had a large amount of sadness and difficulties in his life but looked to humor for help. This story offers a fun way to learn about a very important person to America’s history.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Normally when teaching students about people who were important to America’s history, books and fairly boring material is used—materials like a textbook or an encyclopedia. Lincoln Tells a Joke is an example of a fun and interesting way to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s life. While reading this story students are not only learning about different events in history as well as Abraham Lincolns life, they are also learning about how President Lincoln was a fun man. The story couples facts and jokes to keep the reader interested. For example, we read “… there wasn’t much fighting over sea so Lincoln would joke that he ‘survived a good many bloody battles—with mosquitoes.” This story takes a boring topic and adds life to it! The illustrations have a painted look to them. The pictures offer smooth lines and the colors transition into one another to create an easy flowing story. Being a teacher I will add Lincoln Tells a Joke to my librarian to use as a supplement to social studies!

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

· School Library Journal- “Children will be drawn in by the straightforward prose, and librarians will enjoy sharing the book aloud." – Jody Kopple

· Horn Book- "…while not every word or picture is necessarily a hoot and a holler, they do present a positive portrait that humanizes the lionized man for whom it was “a love of laughter that kept him going.” – Andrew Medlar

CONNECTIONS

Compare and contrast: Allow students to find another story about Abraham Lincoln and compare the facts learned. Examples of stories to be used: Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities by Janis Herbert, Who was Abraham Lincoln? By Janet Pascal, Nancy Harrison and John O'Brien, Just in Time, Abraham Lincoln By Patricia Polacco.