The author writes in a unique narrative voice, as if he is telling the story orally and the setting is interactive. She is also honest throughout the story that she is not quite sure how everything in the story went exactly, since " that's the thing about history- if you weren't there, you can't know for sure." I think that the way this book is written, as if they are writing and drawing as they go through the story, is really interesting. There is even a page that has multiple sketches on it where the narrator says she will let the illustrator which version of the story to paint on the next page. This book tells the story of Abe Lincoln's first childhood friend, Austin, and the day he saved Abe's life when he fell in the river. It goes on to mention that Abe and Austin never met again once Abe moved to Indiana and then works his way towards the White House but that Abe never was able to forget his friend that saved his life. The narrator wraps up the moral of the story extremely well at the end by saying, "remember Austin Gollaher, because what we do matters, even if we don't end up in history books." The moral is such an amazing message to get across to kids to let them know that even if they don't feel like they make a difference, one action, such as Austin's bravery, can change the course of history. ( )

In my opinion, I think this a good book. I like this book because it was well written. When reading this book because the author made it seem very interactive; for example “Lets all clap together: Austin made it!” Another reason why I like this book is because of the connection it provides between the story and who Abe Lincoln was in American history. For example, “Not long after, the Lincolns move to Indiana. In time, Abe goes on to the White House.” The main message of this boom is to help readers relate to Abe Lincoln as a child.

This is historical fiction based on apparently true stories told by Lincoln’s boyhood friend and neighbor, Benjamin Austin Gollaher. In Knob Creek, Kentucky in 1816, seven-year-old Lincoln falls in a creek and is rescued by Gollaher. With the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth occurring this year, this ALA Notable Children’s Book for 2009 is timely, and written and illustrated in a pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoon-like style that will appeal to children. ( )

This is a story about friendship and promises. Everyone knows who Abe Lincoln is but who was his first friend, Austin Gollaher and why is he so important in history? This is a tall tale about the day Abe and Austin went to Knob Creek. Abe falls in and seems to swallow the whole creek but with the help of his dear friend, Austin, Abe is alive! Abe tells Austin he will never forget Austin and what happened that day! Abe kept his promise and never forgot Austin. Thank goodness for Austin Gollaher and saving Abraham Lincoln's life! ( )

I genuinely enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and wanting to read more with every page while also staying true to the historical part of Abe Lincoln's life. The author and illustrator both did a great job setting the scene of two boys in Kentucky in 1816. Like the story suggests, what we do matters. This story also suggests that friendship is a strong bond and an important part of life. Two boys, Abe Lincoln and Austin Gollaher, decide to cross a raging creek. While crossing on a log, Abe falls into Knob Creek. Austin saves Abe from drowning by pulling him out of the creek. The two friends then lay in the sun until their clothes dry. The story ends by explaining how during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln states that he would like to see his friend Austin Gollaher again. ( )