Right around President's Day, I received the book Abraham's Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream to review through the TOS Schoolhouse Review Crew. This was perfect timing-along with the holiday, Chad had just completed a big research report on Abraham Lincoln for school.
Abraham's Journey was created by Robert and Kathleen Basmadjian of Inspiring the American Dream. It is available for $14.99 at their website. You can also find out more about the authors there.
Abraham's Journey's target audience is 7-12 year olds, but all ages could enjoy reading or listening to this book. The story is about a boy named Abraham, whose parents have lost their jobs right before Christmas. Abraham is convinced he can do something to 'save Christmas' for his family, so he texts his friends from his Smartphone for ideas. Suddenly, Abraham Lincoln comes through his Smartphone to guide him on his journey. They encounter many successful Americans from the past and present, all with a message for young Abraham. They encourage him to follow his dream-The American Dream. I don't want to spoil the ending for you, so I'll stop with the storyline there.
The story itself is 30 pages long, with each page full of colorful illustrations. The book is a large paperback. At the back of the book are some helpful tools: a Definition of Terms and Character Biographies.
What Did We Think? As Chad (10) is at about a 1st/2nd grade reading level due to his Dyslexia, I read Abraham's Journey aloud to him. It would have been too difficult for him now, but I expect in a few years he would be fine to read it on his own. He loved the illustrations and wanted to spend a lot of time on each page studying them. He enjoyed the story overall. Personally, I thought it was a good story and love the concept of encouraging kids to reach for the American Dream. The only drawbacks to me were that I try to steer Chad away from Cell phones and Social Media, both elements of the story. As he gets older, though, I know he is being exposed to these things more and more so I used it as a teaching opportunity (After which I was asked when he can get his own cellphone-ugh).
I felt the best part of Abraham's Journey was discussing The American Dream with my son. The American Dream is defined in the Definition of Terms as "-the ideal that the American system of self-government allows for any and all individuals to pursue and achieve a fulfilling and successful life." With his learning disabilities and his older brother's Aspergers, I feel this statement is so very important for him embrace and believe.
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