Polacco, P. (2001). Mr. Lincoln’s Way. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
Brief Annotation: Eugene is a child who is struggling to find his way in the world. He bullies other children, and antagonizes all of his teachers. He uses terrible language and calls people hurtful and racist names. Mr. Lincolns is determined to reach Eugene, and when he sees him staring at birds out the window he realizes how he can do this. As Eugene tries to find a way to rescue the baby ducks born in the schools atrium, Mr. Lincoln searches for a way to save Eugene.
Grade Level: 4-8
Readers who will like this: Readers who like to read realistic stories about schools, readers who like happy ending books about a struggling main character
Response/Rating (1-4): 4; this is one of the only books by Polacco that I have read where she was not the protagonist in the story. I do not believe it says that she does, but I would guess that the story is narrated from her point of view. It is a great story, especially for a future teacher to read about never giving up on your students. It teaches a great lesson about seeing the bigger picture, and not reading a “bad” kid by his or her cover.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Whom do you admire?
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