LOOKING AT LINCOLN BY:  MARIA KALMAN

This book is about a boy that is reading about Lincoln's life.  The boy learns that Lincoln wanted to end slavery in his country.  So Lincoln went to war with his army and the north won, and slavery was ended.  You can go to Washington D.C. to see the Lincoln memorial.

Last summer I got to see the Lincoln Memorial and look into his eyes.

Looking at Lincoln is a biography because it tells about Lincoln's life.

I would give this book four out of five stars because I like the facts in it.

The One and Only Ivan by:  Katherine Applegate

The one and only Ivan is about a gorilla named Ivan, a mighty silver-back.  Ivan has a friend named Bob that lives in his domain, Bob is a dog, and Stella who is an elephant. Ivan and his friends live in a mall by exit 8, they entertain customers that walk by their domain. Ivan is also expected to draw pictures for Mack, his owner, that are sold in the gift shop.  One day Stella gets sick and dies.  Ruby, a little elephant, is sent in to take Stella's place and perform in shows.  Ivan promised Stella that he would take good care of Ruby and soon get her out of the mall into a zoo.  Read to find out if that happens.

Connection - When I was at the Erie, PA zoo I saw that one of the gorilla had died and he had also had a friend who was a bunny in his cage, which reminded me of the book.  When I went to the gift shop at the zoo I saw that there were paintings done by the animals just like in this book.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  It made me cry at the end and for my mom too.