I am Gandhi (Ordinary People Change the World)

The 5 star reviews on all of the books in this series don't lie. I have every one so far in my classroom library, just purchased "I Am Helen Keller" and am eagerly anticipating "I Am Martin Luther King, Jr." I would review each one individually if I had the time. There's not much to be said that other reviewers haven't covered but these are absolutely fantastic biographies for young readers. As a Kindergarten teacher, as high a priority as superheroes, princesses, and other fantasy characters are in their lives, my students are always fascinated by stories about real people in history and amazed that these people actually lived, did very real and very important things, and were kids once, too. What I love, other than the appealing and detailed illustrations, is how perfectly the author handles the often "difficult to explain to a five year old" topics that made the subjects of the books noteworthy. It's so hard to find biographies for early elementary kids that don't water down historical information but still present it in a very age-appropriate way like these do. Young children can and should learn about racism, slavery, prejudices, life challenges, and other tough topics and it can definitely done in a way they understand. Beyond that, the recurring message is that otherwise normal people with lives, families, and circumstances similar to their own can do amazing things and change the world for the better. That's not only incredibly powerful for them, it's something that they take away from the stories without it even having to be explained. Just as a recent example, I currently have a student who is enthralled with all things science and is dead-set on being a scientist when he grows up. By chance, he picked out the book on Albert Einstein, we read it together, and he beamed when he found out who Einstein actually was and learned what led him to become a scientist. It's also incredibly interesting to read anecdotes and facts about the childhoods of these famous historical figures get an otherwise rare glimpse at what they were like growing up. Each time I read one to my class, I learn a number of things I've never heard before. I'm excited to see that Meltzer is continuing to regularly add to the series and will purchase any others that he puts out. They're all great but, in addition to Lincoln, we also particularly enjoy Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson.

Our son (about to turn 8) LOVES the “I am” books. This one did not disappoint. These books tell the stories of amazing people in kid-friendly ways, but while staying true to the tough subjects they cover. Well done!He can read them himself, but mostly a grown up reads the main text and he reads the “bubbles”.

So it’s cute and all but it spends way too much time focusing on Abraham Lincoln‘s time prior to him being president as opposed to all of the tremendous actions he took as president. Additionally there’s some weird focus on him being on the penny, which kids aren’t really going to get and which just serves as a distraction from any real focus. There are also some misleading parts and even some straight up errors. So one aspect that’s misleading is when Lincoln talks about becoming president and then says he lost four elections before getting the big job. None of these were presidential elections but that is fully what’s implied. On the very next page it is characterizes the actual goal of the north in the war, and of Lincoln himself, as being “letting the slaves go free”. Time and time again Lincoln made sure of the fact that the goal of the war was to preserve the union and that the emancipation proclamation freeing slaves in rebel states was simply a war measure to preserve the union. When it discusses his Gettysburg address, it implies that the words all men are created equal came from him. As it states they are the most important five words he used. However, he was quoting the declaration of independence. Then on the next page it says that he passed a law that ended slavery in America. An amendment is not a law. And also, as hugely involved as Lincoln was in pushing for the passage of the 13th amendment, a president actually has no impact on an amendment passage whatsoever (2/3 of each house + 3/4 states). We have the doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., book and it is fantastic. I’m a history teacher and this book did not meet my expectations at all about my favorite president and one about whom I know very much including lesser-known intricacies. As a HS history teacher I also have to unteach mischaracterizations that kids are given when they were young. And this book is chock-full of them.

Brad Meltzer delivers an interesting, inspiring book about the life of Abraham Lincoln. Young readers will learn what Abraham Lincoln believed in during childhood, and as President. This delightful story tells about how much Abraham Lincoln enjoyed reading and writing, and why these good habits were important. The author also introduces the topic of how we sometimes are forced to deal with bullies, and why it's important to stand up for what you believe in.In addition, Brad Meltzer includes in this intriguing story why cheating is unfair, hurting animals is wrong, and doing the right thing will make you a better person. The story also teaches self-respect, and the true meaning of freedom, and justice for all.This interesting story also discusses why slavery is wrong, and the Civil War is included in the story as it defines why it was important to fight for freedom, and end slavery, and the war. The author highlights that all men are created equal, why our voice is to be heard when something is wrong, and why injustice should not be allowed. Most important, the young reader learns how much Abraham Lincoln was dedicated to freedom and justice for all in America, as he believed that our voice is our strength. This inspiring book teaches history, and many other lessons to be learned. The colorful illustrations make this story come to life. Motivating, inspiring, and educational. Highly recommended for young readers, teachers, and parents!

Another very well-presented book in the series that is excellent for children of all ages and entertaining for adults as well. Our 11-year old daughter has a passion for famous historical characters (as part of her interest in history). She prefers to read about a wide range of famous people of all ages and through this gains knowledge about different histories era’s and societies. She has read a lot about the obvious female heroes like Florence Nightingale, Frida Kahlo, Madame Curie ect. However she really likes to know more about other people that she came across. So this range of books with its wide selection of topics is great, she has already the version abbot Leonardo DaVinci, Walt Disney, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Her younger brother likes these books as well.Of course it is mostly about the adorable cartoon style nature of these little books and how the relative simplicity of the storylines perfectly captures the essence of the topic. Simply brilliant. The 40-page book is very colourful and comes with a durable hard cover. And invariably the books lead to little discussions and questions about the topics afterward, which is invaluable. Like in most modern cartoon movies, these books are full of moralising themes and the storylines mostly centre around these. In the Gandhi book it is about taking a stance against materialism, non-violence and non-cooperation to battle discrimination.We’re clearly big fans of the series , our little precious collection is growing and we look forward to a few more of these soon.

Excellent children’s book that combined beautiful comic-style illustrations with a catchy narrative about a very famous historical character.The storyline is clear, interesting and well-told in such a manner that children can relate to young Abraham while they learn about 1840-1860’s.The colourful hard covered booklet comes very well presented. And thus it makes a brilliant present.Our daughter is a little older than the target audience at 9 years of age already into more serious literature.However she already has a few other books in this range and she adores each of these books.She has also been reading them to her younger brother - who is more interested in the colourful pictures than in Abraham Lincoln.The range of topics in this series can’t be praised enough. The only comment I would make it that the majority is US history oriented. The good thing is that the range addresses slightly less common famous historical characters.Our children now has a small collection of these books.These fairly thin and short booklets are not cheap. but as should be clear; they are really nice. And of good very good quality.

Bought this for my 7 year old son who had India for a school topic. We love the book, he really enjoyed reading it so much that he took it to school and read it for the whole class. They kept it for the term so everyone had a chance to read it.What a fabulous book. Will definitely explore the other books in the series.

Great book for kids, and adults might learn a thing or two about the great man at the same time.

Brilliant premise