This is a story about Eugene, a boy that bullies kids at his school because of their difference. Mr. Lincoln, the principal, realizes that Eugene is not bad; he is just following things he hears at home. In his own special way Mr. Lincoln finds a way to help Louis and to show him that differences are what make us special.

I love the way the author uses birds to cover such a controversial subject as racism. The illustrations use bold and bright colors to bring out the differences in the students and the birds.

This book can be used in a Science class to discuss birds, or when discussing bullying and racism. ( )

Age appriopriatness: primary to intermediate.
This book is a good example of realistic fiction because it is a story about a principal who be-friends a bully and changes who he is becoming.
The media in this book is a combination of pencil and watercolor. ( )

This actually may be better than Thundercake! Very deep story line and plot. I think this book may relate to children that are in the same troubled/abusive homes as the main boy in this book ( )

Patricia Polacco's picture book Mr. Lincoln's Way depicts an elementary school with an exuberant, friendly, and compassionate principal. Mr. Lincoln influences children's lives by being a model they can look to for direction as well as humor and friendship. When Mean Gene disrupts the school by bullying other students and even calling Mr. Lincoln racial slurs, Mr. Lincoln is motivated to find a way to reach Eugene.
The story's strengths are the credible storyline, the colorful illustrations, and the symbolic relationship of different kinds of beautiful birds to different kinds of beautiful people. In high school a weakness may be that the focus is an elementary school; still most students can relate to the problem of prejudice and bullying. At all grade levels, the story can help students see the detriments of bullying behavior and the possibilities of inspiring positive change in others. One caring individual can make a difference in the lives of others. ( )

GREAT!!! Wonderful story on how a principal taught a boy that it was ok to like people of other races and colors. This boy was groomed that anyone that was different was bad. Thanks to Mr. Lincoln he learned otherwise. Once again GREAT book for all ages.