I made it my goal to read all of the 2022/2023 Battle of the Books titles, and this is one I was able to find on Libby since I was out of town and unable to access my school library.

I can definitely appreciate the way Sheinkin presents history for younger readers (I had no idea that Lincoln was actually in the wrestling hall of fame), and I can see how this would be a good series to inspire readers to dive deeper into learning about historical figures and events. The illustrations are funny, and the concept of the characters being able to jump back and forth between past/present is interesting. The book ends with the box in the storage closet shaking, which means that Abigail Adams is going to jump out and become a pirate...

Will I read the other books in this series? Probably not. But now I have a better idea of what I can recommend to my students, especially my sixth graders who are also struggling readers. ( )

There is truth to every story...but we’re pretty sure Abe never wrestled! Come along for the ride as time gets twisted and two kids learn to straighten things out for good! Book 1 of 2.

Ha, I'm not sure this is really the best way to make history interesting for kids. Abraham Lincoln decides to forgo running for president and get into professional wrestling after hearing that modern-day kids find history boring. Abby and Doc, realizing how interesting Lincoln actually is, must find a way to get history back on track and Lincoln into the presidency where he belongs. Sheinkin plays fast and loose with time travel mores: Mary Lincoln isn't surprised to see Abby and Doc's gym teacher impersonating her husband, and no one questions the presence of Doc, a black boy, popping up on 1860s streets. He closes with a chapter of brief history about Abraham Lincoln but adds in a couple of teasers: Lincoln loved bad jokes and he's been inducted in a wrestling hall of fame. Really?! Readers will have to look it up! Mr. Sheinkin, stick to non-fiction narrative! ( )