Bringing some of America's most influential men and women into sharp focus for readers 9 to 12, these succinct biographies by the author of The Extraordinary Suzy Wright include period illustrations, timelines, and sample writings by these historical figures.

Born in a cabin deep in the backwoods of Kentucky, Abraham Lincoln grew up in a family considered "the poorest of the poor," yet rose to become the 16th president of the United States. As Teri Kanefield explains here, this profound yet practical statesman guided the United States through the Civil War, helped end slavery in America, and strengthened the federal government.