Lincoln and Grace: Why Abraham Lincoln Grew a Beard

K-Gr 3—Metzger tells the story of 11-year-old Grace Bedell, who in 1860, wrote to the then presidential candidate and advised him to grow a beard since his face was too thin. She assured him that some whiskers would improve his appeal to women and translate into more votes from men. Lincoln actually responded but remained noncommittal on the matter. Once elected, his inaugural train stopped in Grace's hometown, Westfield, New York, and the girl had the chance to shake the hand of the newly minted, bearded president. Sidebars and insets with historical information that relates to the time period appear throughout, but they are awkwardly placed and make for a choppy read. Reproductions of the texts of the letters are appended. Overall, the story is interesting, but the fictional dialogue between Grace and her family members is annoying and the artwork is merely pedestrian. This is strictly a supplemental purchase.—Nancy Jo Lambert, Ruth Borchardt Elementary, Plano, TX