Flashback Four - Fun Historical Fiction for Kids

If you are regular reader of my blog, then you know how much I love historical fiction.  An engaging story that also  gives kids a perspective about what they are learning in school is a big win in my book.  So I am a fan of this new series by Dan Gutman, who manages to consistently write strong and interesting narratives for kids.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss a single story that will have kids understanding the nuances of the Gettysburg Address.  Now come on, that's pretty impressive.

Title: Flashback Four: The Lincoln Project

Author: Dan Gutman

Target: Grades 3-7

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: 

Four kids receive a fabulous invitation from and eccentric billionaire to travel back in time to the day of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.  Since there are no pictures of Lincoln delivering his famous speech, the kids are there to get a once in a lifetime photograph of this momentous event.  The kids are also hoping to record Lincoln’s voice and sell the recording for millions.  However, pulling all this off could prove quite difficult and they definitely run into some trouble!

Why I love this book:

• Dan Gutman does a brilliant job of combining an exciting narrative with plenty of actual history so kids will be learning while entertained - I love that!  While the premise is a bit of a stretch, Gutman is a masterful storyteller so he makes it all work despite the obvious holes in the story.

• I really enjoyed the actual photographs of the time that are dispersed throughout the book.  It reminds kids that while this is a story, it is based in fact and takes place at one of the most deadly battle grounds of the Civil War.

• Gutman manages to get the whole address (which was delivered in only two minutes) into the story twice.  He also does a lovely job of showing kids the importance of each phrase without ever making them feel they are reading a textbook!

Who this book is for: 

If your kids enjoyed Gutman’s Genius Files or Baseball Card Adventure books then this story will be an easy sell.  It is also good for kids who enjoy the Nathan Hale series.

Final thoughts: 

If you read this blog regularly then you know I am a big fan of historical fiction and this book did not disappoint.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Flashback Four: The Lincoln Project.  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.