(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Catherine Stock. Attractive watercolors bring to life this true story of the determined young woman who sculpted Abraham Lincoln's statue for the Capitol Rotunda. Sixteen-year-old Vinnie Ream was a sculptor's apprentice when the president began sitting for her, and after his death she fought for the commission to memorialize him. FitzGerald's account is accessible and inspirational. An author's note is included. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(3) 4-6 In 1866, teenager Vinnie Reams was commissioned to sculpt a statue of Abraham Lincoln to be displayed in the Rotunda of the Capitol building. In a lengthy but engrossing novel, Sappéy has re-created nine years of this young woman's life, from the beginning of the Civil War through Lincoln's death and Vinnie's completion of the statue. An author's note separates fact from fiction.

Reviewer: Juliet Stebbins