Abraham Lincoln's Dueling Words

Gr 2–5—In this lengthy narrative, Bowman recounts the tale of Abraham Lincoln's almost-duel in 1842, when he served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. In an effort to prove that everyone makes mistakes and to exemplify the power of an apology, the author details a provocative letter that Lincoln submitted to a newspaper anonymously. One thing led to another and Lincoln was challenged to a duel. Bowman adds levity and appeal through the use of a Midwestern dialect, second-person point of view, and figurative language that readily evokes time and place. Schindler's illustrations, done in watercolor and ink, are a perfect accompaniment to this moralistic story. Back matter includes additional information about mudslinging, the Aunt Rebecca Letters (as the anonymous letters were known), James Shields, the Illinois Banking Crisis, the author's rationale for the book, and suggestions for further reading.