Mr. Lincoln Speaks at Gettysburg is a history book written by Mary Kay Phelan for young readers. This is another book at risk of being lost because of the CPSIA. It's true that there are newer books that follow the same concept. I haven't compared them, so I can't comment on whether any are better than this one. But why should a library replace this book with a newer book when this one covers the topic so well? It would truly be a waste.
Phelan's bio on the dust jacket says
Mr. Lincoln Speaks At Gettysburg reflects her great interest in writing books that will bring American history to life and make it meaningful for today's young people.
The books is full of pictures including pictures of Lincoln, Gettysburg, and copies of the Gettysburg address for comparison.
The last chapter of the book contains an analysis of the words of the speech.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.Despite the trying times that our country had just experienced, Lincoln doesn't talk about reforming America or "changing" it into something new. No. He talks about a rebirth of FREEDOM and a hope that a government of the people, by the people, for the people would not perish. He spoke about the lives that were lost on both sides and honored them.
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.
This is a book that should not be lost.
3 comments:
"Despite the trying times that our country had just experienced, Lincoln doesn't talk about reforming America or "changing" it into something new. No. He talks about a rebirth of FREEDOM and a hope that a government of the people, by the people, for the people would not perish. He spoke about the lives that were lost on both sides and honored them." Thank you! I knew I could tie Lincoln to CPSIA somehow!
Breaks my heart to think of books like this being outlawed! Actually, I border on outrage when I think too hard about it!
WOW--I have been buying older books for my kids at thrift stores, library sales, etc. I have picked up classics for pennies. We are homeschoolers, and very conservative about what I allow my children to read. I have beenvery frustrated that the classics are being replaced with stories about barbie, and PC topics. I had no idea it was partly due to CPSIA!
There has been some kind of exemption made for books in the last year or so. That still did not prevent some libraries from discarding there old books. And yes, you are right, classics and history are being replaced by more entertaining subjects.
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