
Reach for this book when your child starts rolling their eyes at history homework or claims that textbooks are boring. It is a perfect solution for the student who enjoys high-energy humor and sports but struggles to find a connection to the figures of the past. The story follows a pair of siblings who must convince a time-traveling, disgruntled Abraham Lincoln to leave the wrestling ring and return to the Civil War. Beyond the slapstick comedy and zany plot, the book explores themes of responsibility, the human side of historical icons, and the importance of perseverance. It is written at an accessible level for early elementary readers, making it an excellent bridge between picture books and more complex historical fiction. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes Lincoln while maintaining a lighthearted, adventurous tone that keeps reluctant readers engaged.
Stylized professional wrestling moves like body slams and chops.
The approach is entirely secular and humorous. While it touches on the Civil War, it avoids the heavy trauma of slavery or battle casualties, focusing instead on Lincoln's personal stress and the general concept of his historical importance. The resolution is hopeful and reinforces the necessity of doing one's duty.
A 7 to 9 year old who loves 'The Who Was' series but wishes the books had more jokes, or a child who enjoys the over-the-top energy of Captain Underpants but is ready for a light introduction to American history.
Read cold. No specific context is required, though knowing that Lincoln actually was a talented wrestler in his youth adds to the fun. A child complaining that school is 'useless' or that they don't care about people who died hundreds of years ago.
Younger children (7-8) will love the physical comedy and the absurdity of a giant president in a wrestling ring. Older children (9-10) will better appreciate the 'meta' humor regarding historical tropes and the logic of time travel.
Unlike many historical novels for kids that aim for reverence, Sheinkin (a National Book Award finalist for serious history) uses his expertise to subvert expectations, making a historical giant feel like a relatable, if slightly dramatic, human being.
Step-siblings Abby and Doc accidentally summon Abraham Lincoln to the modern day through a magical 'Time Machine' (actually a dusty school basement). Lincoln, offended by a student's comment that history is boring, decides he'd rather use his real-life wrestling skills to become a professional star than go back to the stress of the 1860s. The kids must navigate the world of pro wrestling to get the president back to his own timeline before history is rewritten forever.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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