{"id":1511021825,"title":"Vinnie and Abraham","handle":"vinnie-and-abraham","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"Author Dawn FitzGerald\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/dawn-fitzgerald\"\u003eDawn FitzGerald\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca title=\"Illustrator Catherine Stock\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/catherine-stock\"\u003eCatherine Stock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen she spoke to him, he was \"Mr. President.\" But in her head, he was Abraham, her friend.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinnie Ream, a determined young sculptor, became the youngest artist and the first woman to receive a commission from the U.S. government when she was chosen to sculpt the memorial statue of Abraham Lincoln that now stands in the Capitol rotunda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike Mr. Lincoln, Vinnie came from humble beginnings, growing up poor in the Wisconsin territory. Early on she displayed a talent for sculpture, but because she had to work to help her family, she was mainly self-taught. When Vinnie moved with her family to Washington, D.C., during the Civil War, Vinnie tirelessly worked toward her goal of becoming an artist. By the time she was sixteen, she was apprenticing for a prominent sculptor and creating busts of several leading politicians who wanted their likenesses cast in stone. She used these connections to finally meet and sculpt the bust of her hero, the president. Vinnie’s story is sure to inspire young readers to work hard to achieve their own goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatherine Stock’s vibrant and reverent illustrations capture Vinnie’s vivacious personality as well as her steadfast resolve to honor Abraham Lincoln.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge-books.com\/previews\/vinnie-and-abraham\/vinnie_preview1.html\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRead an excerpt!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Stone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/stone-giant\"\u003eStone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/pippo-the-fool\" title=\"Pippo the Fool\"\u003ePippo the Fool\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/magic-trash\" title=\"Magic Trash\"\u003eMagic Trash\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-spread.jpg?3062586294280315897\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDawn FitzGerald, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDawn FitzGerald is a former teacher and the author of several books for children, including \u003cem\u003eGetting in the Game\u003c\/em\u003e (Roaring Brook Press) and\u003cem\u003e Julia Butterfly Hill: Saving the Redwoods\u003c\/em\u003e (Millbrook Press). She lives with her husband and two children in Pepper Pike, Ohio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Dawn FitzGerald\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/dawn-fitzgerald\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Dawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Q\u0026amp;A with Author Dawn FitzGerald\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/dawn-fitzgerald-qa.pdf?14102391962610504466\"\u003eRead a Q\u0026amp;A \u003c\/a\u003ewith Dawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Stock, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatherine Stock is the author and illustrator of \u003cem\u003eA Spree in Paree\u003c\/em\u003e (Holiday House) and the illustrator of the popular Gus and Grandpa series (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), among many other books for children. She divides her time between New York and France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Illustrator Catherine Stock\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/catherine-stock\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Catherine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eA Junior Library Guild Selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABC Best Books for Children\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e Top 10 Youth Biographies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e Top 10 Arts Books for Youth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCSS\/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCleveland Public Library Distinguished Children's Biography List\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinnie Ream was very small (under five-feet-tall), but she was also strong, smart and a talented sculptor. Her standing statue of President Abraham Lincoln in the capitol rotunda was completed when she was still a teenager. FitzGerald romanticized and sentimentalizes her story, but Vinnie did indeed work at the post office during the Civil War, and sang for wounded soldiers in hospital. Vinnie spent five months sculpting Lincoln's head in clay in preparation, and she was the youngest artist and the first woman to receive a commission from the government. She went on to sculpt many other notable Americans, including Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and Sequoyah. Stock's watercolor illustrations capture Vinnie's beautiful energy, as well as life in Washington DC during and after the war. The author's note explains that while several of the quotes are fiction, the story is based on the sculptor's writings and other biographies of her. A resource list will allow readers to explore further in print and online.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?9764023089970255382\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis picture-book biography presents Vinnie Ream as a young woman who transcended the conventions of her time through determination and a remarkable talent for sculpture. Living in Washington, D.C., during the Civil War, Vinnie, 14, became one of the U.S. Postal Service’s first female employees, but she spent her spare time modeling in clay. She apprenticed herself to a renowned sculptor and progressed so well that at 18, she had daily sessions with President Lincoln while she worked to create his likeness. After Lincoln’s assassination, Congress commissioned her to sculpt a marble statue of the late president, which is still on display in the Capital rotunda. Fitzgerald’s clearly written narrative portrays Vinnie as a hardworking, resolute person who succeeded through her own gifts and the help of others who believed in her. Stock’s watercolor paintings light up the pages. The joy of the Washington street scene marking the war’s end is all the more vibrant in contrast with quiet pictures of Vinnie sculpting the president. Back matter includes an author’s note about Vinnie’s later life as well as a list of books and online resources. A spirited introduction to a little-known artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinnie Ream is best known for her life-size marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, unveiled in 1871 when she was only 23 years old, that stands in the Capitol Rotunda. Little information on this fascinating American sculptor has been available for an elementary audience. FitzGerald does a credible job of filling that gap. She chronicles Ream’s life, including her Wisconsin childhood, the family’s move to Washington, DC, at the beginning of the Civil War, and her distinction, at the age of 14, of being one of the first women hired by the U.S. Post Office. She covers Ream’s apprenticeship to a prominent sculptor and her growing relationships with Congressmen who came to have their statues made, and who eventually persuaded the president to sit for her. FitzGerald puts the controversy surrounding her receipt of the commission for Lincoln’s memorial statue in a context understandable by elementary students, avoiding mention of the scandalous allegations made at the time concerning how an inexperienced young woman could sway members of Congress. No mention is made of Ream’s possible involvement in affecting the vote during Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial. Stock’s watercolors capture the energy and excitement of both the young woman and Civil War Washington, although why the endpapers are festooned with a jumble of flowers is a mystery. An author’s note discusses which aspects of the book have been fictionalized and the remainder of the woman’s life. While the writing seems rushed at times, this is a good introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?9764023089970255382\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLibrary Media Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the dialogue in the story is made up, the book is based upon the life of Vinnie Ream, a gifted, self-taught sculptor, and her own writings. When the Civil War began many companies were hiring women. Vinnie got a job at the post office to help her family, but was determined not to give up her art. She apprenticed to a famous sculptor, Clark Mills. Through Vinnie's persistence and Mills' efforts, Vinnie got the chance to sculpt a bust of Abraham Lincoln. After Lincoln's death, Congress wanted to hire a sculptor to do a statue. There were many male sculptors who applied for the job, but they couldn't offer a suitable portrayal of Lincoln. Vinnie became the youngest artist to receive a commission from the United States government. Her sculpture of Abraham Lincoln is still on display at the rotunda, as is her last sculpture of Sequoyah, creator of the Chorkee alphabet. Although there are many books written about Abraham Lincoln, \u003ci\u003eVinnie and Abraham\u003c\/i\u003e is interesting, informative, and tells the story of a young girl from humble beginnings who never gave up on her dream. Pictures and drawings illustrate the time period very well. This book would be a wonderful addition to any library. \u003cb\u003eHighly Recommended\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOhioana Quarterly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nonfiction book, \u003ci\u003eVinnie and Abraham\u003c\/i\u003e by Dawn FitzGerald contains a lot of helpful and interesting information. History can be found on every page. Children will learn about President Lincoln, what life is like when he was president, a lot about historical art, and how a young female artist becomes famous. Vinnie Ream is a young woman and a talented sculptor who wants to sculpt for a living. Vinnie's family does not have much money. At the age of fourteen she becomes one of the first women to work at the post office, and in addition to that she takes sculpting lessons and apprentices with the famous Washington, DC artist Clark Mills. Through her experiences as an artist, her dream to sculpt Abraham Lincoln comes true. If you are looking for a fun book to learn something from or to read to your class and family, then this book is the one for you. Sad at times but happy too, it makes you feel like you are part of the story. Not only children but adults will benefit from reading this informative book. Growing up, Dawn FitzGerald wanted to be a firefighter, an artist, a professional soccer player, a nun, a lawyer, and the president. Instead, she chose to be a writer. In her spare time she loves to read. Some of her favorite books are \u003ci\u003eThe Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, \u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Amber Spyglass\u003c\/i\u003e. This is her most recent book. Other books authored by her include \u003ci\u003eJulia Butterfly Hill: Saving the Redwoods, Getting in the Game,\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSoccer Chicks Rule.\u003c\/i\u003e FitzGerald is a former teacher and lives with her husband and two kids in Pepper Pike, Ohio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-cvr.jpg?7687450692852884313\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-hires.zip?7687450692852884313\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-poster.zip?5828005548753949973\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Poster\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-644-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-121-5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 48\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2015-07-13T10:27:00-04:00","created_at":"2015-07-12T13:45:36-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Art\/Music\/Theater","Browse by Subject_History \u0026 Biography","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures","girl"],"price":348,"price_min":348,"price_max":348,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":795,"compare_at_price_min":795,"compare_at_price_max":795,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":4562506177,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"16441","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Vinnie and Abraham - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":348,"weight":224,"compare_at_price":795,"inventory_quantity":125,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":"978-1-57091-644-1","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/vinnie-and-abraham-cover.jpg?v=1586806726"],"featured_image":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/vinnie-and-abraham-cover.jpg?v=1586806726","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"Vinnie and Abraham book cover","id":5804842614863,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.242,"height":483,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/vinnie-and-abraham-cover.jpg?v=1586806726"},"aspect_ratio":1.242,"height":483,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/charlesbridgemoves.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/vinnie-and-abraham-cover.jpg?v=1586806726","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"Author Dawn FitzGerald\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/dawn-fitzgerald\"\u003eDawn FitzGerald\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca title=\"Illustrator Catherine Stock\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/catherine-stock\"\u003eCatherine Stock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen she spoke to him, he was \"Mr. President.\" But in her head, he was Abraham, her friend.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinnie Ream, a determined young sculptor, became the youngest artist and the first woman to receive a commission from the U.S. government when she was chosen to sculpt the memorial statue of Abraham Lincoln that now stands in the Capitol rotunda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike Mr. Lincoln, Vinnie came from humble beginnings, growing up poor in the Wisconsin territory. Early on she displayed a talent for sculpture, but because she had to work to help her family, she was mainly self-taught. When Vinnie moved with her family to Washington, D.C., during the Civil War, Vinnie tirelessly worked toward her goal of becoming an artist. By the time she was sixteen, she was apprenticing for a prominent sculptor and creating busts of several leading politicians who wanted their likenesses cast in stone. She used these connections to finally meet and sculpt the bust of her hero, the president. Vinnie’s story is sure to inspire young readers to work hard to achieve their own goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatherine Stock’s vibrant and reverent illustrations capture Vinnie’s vivacious personality as well as her steadfast resolve to honor Abraham Lincoln.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge-books.com\/previews\/vinnie-and-abraham\/vinnie_preview1.html\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRead an excerpt!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Stone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/stone-giant\"\u003eStone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/pippo-the-fool\" title=\"Pippo the Fool\"\u003ePippo the Fool\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/magic-trash\" title=\"Magic Trash\"\u003eMagic Trash\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-spread.jpg?3062586294280315897\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDawn FitzGerald, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDawn FitzGerald is a former teacher and the author of several books for children, including \u003cem\u003eGetting in the Game\u003c\/em\u003e (Roaring Brook Press) and\u003cem\u003e Julia Butterfly Hill: Saving the Redwoods\u003c\/em\u003e (Millbrook Press). She lives with her husband and two children in Pepper Pike, Ohio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Dawn FitzGerald\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/dawn-fitzgerald\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Dawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Q\u0026amp;A with Author Dawn FitzGerald\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/dawn-fitzgerald-qa.pdf?14102391962610504466\"\u003eRead a Q\u0026amp;A \u003c\/a\u003ewith Dawn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Stock, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatherine Stock is the author and illustrator of \u003cem\u003eA Spree in Paree\u003c\/em\u003e (Holiday House) and the illustrator of the popular Gus and Grandpa series (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), among many other books for children. She divides her time between New York and France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Illustrator Catherine Stock\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/catherine-stock\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Catherine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eA Junior Library Guild Selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABC Best Books for Children\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e Top 10 Youth Biographies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e Top 10 Arts Books for Youth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCSS\/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCleveland Public Library Distinguished Children's Biography List\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinnie Ream was very small (under five-feet-tall), but she was also strong, smart and a talented sculptor. Her standing statue of President Abraham Lincoln in the capitol rotunda was completed when she was still a teenager. FitzGerald romanticized and sentimentalizes her story, but Vinnie did indeed work at the post office during the Civil War, and sang for wounded soldiers in hospital. Vinnie spent five months sculpting Lincoln's head in clay in preparation, and she was the youngest artist and the first woman to receive a commission from the government. She went on to sculpt many other notable Americans, including Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and Sequoyah. Stock's watercolor illustrations capture Vinnie's beautiful energy, as well as life in Washington DC during and after the war. The author's note explains that while several of the quotes are fiction, the story is based on the sculptor's writings and other biographies of her. A resource list will allow readers to explore further in print and online.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?9764023089970255382\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis picture-book biography presents Vinnie Ream as a young woman who transcended the conventions of her time through determination and a remarkable talent for sculpture. Living in Washington, D.C., during the Civil War, Vinnie, 14, became one of the U.S. Postal Service’s first female employees, but she spent her spare time modeling in clay. She apprenticed herself to a renowned sculptor and progressed so well that at 18, she had daily sessions with President Lincoln while she worked to create his likeness. After Lincoln’s assassination, Congress commissioned her to sculpt a marble statue of the late president, which is still on display in the Capital rotunda. Fitzgerald’s clearly written narrative portrays Vinnie as a hardworking, resolute person who succeeded through her own gifts and the help of others who believed in her. Stock’s watercolor paintings light up the pages. The joy of the Washington street scene marking the war’s end is all the more vibrant in contrast with quiet pictures of Vinnie sculpting the president. Back matter includes an author’s note about Vinnie’s later life as well as a list of books and online resources. A spirited introduction to a little-known artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinnie Ream is best known for her life-size marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, unveiled in 1871 when she was only 23 years old, that stands in the Capitol Rotunda. Little information on this fascinating American sculptor has been available for an elementary audience. FitzGerald does a credible job of filling that gap. She chronicles Ream’s life, including her Wisconsin childhood, the family’s move to Washington, DC, at the beginning of the Civil War, and her distinction, at the age of 14, of being one of the first women hired by the U.S. Post Office. She covers Ream’s apprenticeship to a prominent sculptor and her growing relationships with Congressmen who came to have their statues made, and who eventually persuaded the president to sit for her. FitzGerald puts the controversy surrounding her receipt of the commission for Lincoln’s memorial statue in a context understandable by elementary students, avoiding mention of the scandalous allegations made at the time concerning how an inexperienced young woman could sway members of Congress. No mention is made of Ream’s possible involvement in affecting the vote during Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial. Stock’s watercolors capture the energy and excitement of both the young woman and Civil War Washington, although why the endpapers are festooned with a jumble of flowers is a mystery. An author’s note discusses which aspects of the book have been fictionalized and the remainder of the woman’s life. While the writing seems rushed at times, this is a good introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?9764023089970255382\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLibrary Media Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the dialogue in the story is made up, the book is based upon the life of Vinnie Ream, a gifted, self-taught sculptor, and her own writings. When the Civil War began many companies were hiring women. Vinnie got a job at the post office to help her family, but was determined not to give up her art. She apprenticed to a famous sculptor, Clark Mills. Through Vinnie's persistence and Mills' efforts, Vinnie got the chance to sculpt a bust of Abraham Lincoln. After Lincoln's death, Congress wanted to hire a sculptor to do a statue. There were many male sculptors who applied for the job, but they couldn't offer a suitable portrayal of Lincoln. Vinnie became the youngest artist to receive a commission from the United States government. Her sculpture of Abraham Lincoln is still on display at the rotunda, as is her last sculpture of Sequoyah, creator of the Chorkee alphabet. Although there are many books written about Abraham Lincoln, \u003ci\u003eVinnie and Abraham\u003c\/i\u003e is interesting, informative, and tells the story of a young girl from humble beginnings who never gave up on her dream. Pictures and drawings illustrate the time period very well. This book would be a wonderful addition to any library. \u003cb\u003eHighly Recommended\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOhioana Quarterly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis nonfiction book, \u003ci\u003eVinnie and Abraham\u003c\/i\u003e by Dawn FitzGerald contains a lot of helpful and interesting information. History can be found on every page. Children will learn about President Lincoln, what life is like when he was president, a lot about historical art, and how a young female artist becomes famous. Vinnie Ream is a young woman and a talented sculptor who wants to sculpt for a living. Vinnie's family does not have much money. At the age of fourteen she becomes one of the first women to work at the post office, and in addition to that she takes sculpting lessons and apprentices with the famous Washington, DC artist Clark Mills. Through her experiences as an artist, her dream to sculpt Abraham Lincoln comes true. If you are looking for a fun book to learn something from or to read to your class and family, then this book is the one for you. Sad at times but happy too, it makes you feel like you are part of the story. Not only children but adults will benefit from reading this informative book. Growing up, Dawn FitzGerald wanted to be a firefighter, an artist, a professional soccer player, a nun, a lawyer, and the president. Instead, she chose to be a writer. In her spare time she loves to read. Some of her favorite books are \u003ci\u003eThe Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, \u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Amber Spyglass\u003c\/i\u003e. This is her most recent book. Other books authored by her include \u003ci\u003eJulia Butterfly Hill: Saving the Redwoods, Getting in the Game,\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSoccer Chicks Rule.\u003c\/i\u003e FitzGerald is a former teacher and lives with her husband and two kids in Pepper Pike, Ohio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-cvr.jpg?7687450692852884313\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-hires.zip?7687450692852884313\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/vinnie-and-abraham-poster.zip?5828005548753949973\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Poster\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-644-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-121-5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 48\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}