Abraham Lincoln grew up with little more than a second-grade education. His father thought school was a waste of time and wanted young Abe to learn carpentry and farming instead. Even so, Lincoln developed a love of reading so great that he would often walk five miles just to borrow a book. In time, his reading would help to shape a sharp mind, a keen sense of humor, and a kind heart.
Lincoln carried these qualities with him from a dirt-floor cabin in Kentucky all the way to the White House. As President, he would fight to keep our country from breaking apart, and he would ultimately free 4,000,000 slaves. However, there would be a price to pay for these triumphs a very high price, indeed.