Abraham Lincoln

Michael loves to read! Today Michael is at the library reading his favorite book.

The book is about President Abraham Lincoln and the lessons he learned in his life.

When Abraham Lincoln was a young boy, his family was very poor. Abe knew that education was very important, but there were many chores to do, and his family didn’t have much money. Abe realized that reading books would give him WISDOM. He learned more from reading than anything else.

Abe didn’t have many friends when he was growing up. He didn’t have much time to play with others since he had many chores to do. His mother made sure he learned the lesson of COMPASSION—how to treat others. She read him stories that showed compassion, and made sure that when they met people, Abe had the opportunity to be kind and courteous.

When Abraham Lincoln became a young man, he knew that he wanted to make a difference. He decided to run for public office. The only problem was that he was defeated—not once, not twice, not even three times…but six different times! He kept running for office even when he didn’t win. He kept trying and trying—this taught him the important lesson of PERSEVERANCE.

When Abraham Lincoln became President of the United States, he soon realized that not everyone was treated with compassion. He showed COURAGE by speaking out and saying this needed to change, even though his idea was not popular. Many people were angry with President Lincoln for doing this, and the United States went to war. President Lincoln had the courage to fight so that all people would be shown compassion and kindness.

Michael likes this book because he knows that wisdom, compassion, perseverance, and courage are important virtues for every first grader to have. How will you show these virtues today?