Today was Abe Lincoln's 12th birthday.

This is the story of just one day in young Abe's life. Already he possessed the qualities which were later to mark him for greatness.

Though no child of twelve can possibly see the opportunities ahead of him, he can learn and study and be ready for his chance. This is just what Abe Lincoln did.

Abe Lincoln's Birthday differs from the countless other books on Lincoln's life in that the author is able to bring to the story a knowledge of pioneer days handed down to her from her grandmother's stories. Mrs. Hays' family lived in the same neighborhood as the Lincolns. All the factual material and the relationships of the members of the Lincoln family are authentic. 

The story of Abe Lincoln's Birthday can best be stated in a quote from his own writings, "I will prepare myself and maybe my chance will come."

From the dust jacket