This ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book and Booklist Editors' Choice is an ingenious historical fiction picture book about the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It’s a tale of two boys who get themselves into more trouble than bear cubs in a candy store.
The year is 1816. Abe is only seven years old, and his pal, Austin, is ten. Abe and Austin decide to journey down to Knob Creek. The water looks scary and deep, and Austin points out that they don’t know how to swim. Nevertheless, they decide to traverse it. I won’t tell you what happens, but let’s just say that our country wouldn’t be the same if Austin hadn’t been there to help his friend.
From the Hardcover edition.
Deborah Hopkinson
About Deborah Hopkinson
Deborah Hopkinson's most recent book is the ALA Award-Winning Apples to Oregon. Her other titles include Under the Quilt of NIght (Also illustrated by James E. Ransome) and Fannie in the Kitchen. She lives in Oregon.
Praise|Awards
Praise
Starred Review, School Library Journal, September 2008: "What you can know for sure is that this is a book you should add to your shelves."
Starred Review, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, October 2008: "[J]ust how do you handle a legend? Deborah Hopkinson has found a way, and it's a winner."
Starred Review, Booklist, September 15, 2008: "This unusual and often amusing picture book offers much more than an illustrated reminiscence."
Awards
WINNER 2008 Booklist Children's Editors' Choice WINNER 2008 Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book SUBMITTED Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book WINNER Junior Library Guild Selection WINNER ALA Notable Children's Book NOMINEE Oregon Book Award NOMINEE New York State Charlotte Award NOMINEE Kentucky Bluegrass Award NOMINEE Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award NOMINEE Indiana Young Hoosier Award NOMINEE Nebraska Golden Sower Award NOMINEE Montana Treasure State Award
Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek by Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by John Hendrix