
A parent might reach for this book when their child groans that history is boring and irrelevant. This wildly funny adventure zaps a history-hating girl named Abby and her stepbrother Doc back to 1831, where their complaints have caused a glitch: a young Abraham Lincoln has abandoned his political destiny to become a professional wrestler. The siblings must team up to convince 'The Honest Abe' to get back on track before he ruins the future. Perfect for readers aged 8 to 12, especially reluctant ones, the book uses humor, teamwork, and a dash of perseverance to make history feel exciting and accessible. It's a fantastic choice for parents who want to spark curiosity about the past in a way that feels like pure entertainment, not a lesson. It’s a fast-paced, silly, and surprisingly clever introduction to historical fiction.
The book's stakes (altering history) are high but presented in a completely comedic and secular manner. There is no direct engagement with the heavier aspects of Lincoln's era, like slavery, though his future role as the 'Great Emancipator' is briefly mentioned as what's at stake. The resolution is entirely hopeful and slapstick.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe ideal reader is an 8 to 11 year old who loves funny, fast-paced books like 'Captain Underpants' or 'The Bad Guys' but claims to hate history. This book is a perfect 'gateway' book to get reluctant readers interested in historical figures and events without it ever feeling like a lesson.
No preparation is needed. The book is self-contained and can be read cold. A parent might want to be prepared to answer follow-up questions about the real Abraham Lincoln, as the book is very effective at sparking genuine curiosity. A parent has just heard their child say, 'History is the most boring subject ever!' or sees them completely disengaged with their social studies homework. The parent is looking for a way to make the past feel relevant and exciting.
A younger reader (8-9) will love the physical comedy, the wrestling scenes, and the simple time-travel adventure. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the 'what if' premise, the clever wordplay, and how the story playfully twists real historical facts, like Lincoln's legendary strength and wrestling prowess.
Unlike more earnest historical fiction like 'Magic Tree House', this book's differentiator is its anarchic, absurdist humor. It's more 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' than a reverent trip to the past. By mashing up history with modern pop culture (pro wrestling), it creates a unique and memorable experience that makes history feel dynamic and hilarious.
After complaining that history is boring, Abby and her stepbrother Doc are transported back to 1831 Illinois by a 'history glitch'. They discover their actions have inspired a young Abraham Lincoln to quit his path to the presidency and instead pursue a career as a professional wrestler. Using their wits and a few items from the future, the kids must stage an epic wrestling match to convince Lincoln to embrace his true destiny and set the timeline right.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.