Review: Abraham's Journey

Hello, friends! It seems that lately I have had several new resources to write about and I have enjoyed sharing each one with you. Today's review regards a fictional book written by Robert and Kathleen Basmadjian. Together they have written a book for Inspiring the American Dream called Abraham's Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream.

Description

Abraham's Journey describes an adventure experienced by a young boy whose family has been affected by a "recession." Because of this, the parents announce that they will be unable to have Christmas gifts that year. The story then follows the young boy Abraham as he seeks to find a way to provide Christmas for his family. He meets Abraham Lincoln who travels with him through the internet to meet different American history makers that have used their talents and passions to impact the world. Such notable people include Martin Luther King, Jr. and Norman Rockwell, Amelia Earhart and Mark Zuckerberg, Bill and Melinda Gates. Each history maker teaches a lesson such as having a dream, finding a talent, being determined to follow your passions, sharing your talent by finding avenues of networking and then blessing others with your success. In the end, Abraham achieves his dream of supplying Christmas for his family by using his newfound talent: painting. His family finishes their Christmas celebration by blessing others.

Good to Know

1. This book can be purchased from Inspiring the American Dream for $14.99.
2. It is a relatively short book with only 18 pages. The graphics are fun and resemble a graphic novel. The book would best be used for ages 7-12 as the pictures would appeal to the younger readers but the vocabulary and reading level would be more in line with a 10-12 year old. 
3. I read this book myself for the purpose of the review; however, it could easily be used as a read-aloud. 

My Thoughts

While this short read-aloud does introduce components of the American Dream, I feel that its flow was a bit stilted and the theme was a bit difficult to follow. One must first accept that there are history makers from different time periods meeting, talking and working together in a common time period through the internet. Secondly, Abraham is taught several lessons that would have been more easily understood through a slower pace and with a bit more detail. Since very little information is given in the story about each historical figure, it seems to lose the story's impact. I would say this book would best be used as a read-aloud discussing history makers if you will be doing research and lessons on the people involved. As the book offers a short biographical index, you could use this book as a reference. Only then would the message of the book be more clearly understood.

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.