Honest Abe Reading Worksheet
American Heroes Series Grade 3 • U.S. History & Reading
Page 1 of 2
Abraham Lincoln: Honest Abe
Read the biography carefully. Highlight or underline key facts as you read!
Name:
Date:
Biographical Passage
Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) • 16th U.S. President
A Boy in the Wilderness
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a tiny one-room log cabin in Kentucky. His family had very little money, and young Abe spent long days chopping firewood, clearing fields, and working on the family farm. He attended school for less than a year in his entire life, but Abe had an unforgettable thirst for knowledge. Whenever he finished his chores, he walked miles through the woods just to borrow a single book. At night, with no lamps available, he lay on the floor and read by the warm glow of the fireplace, using pieces of burnt wood to practice writing math problems on wooden boards.
Earning the Name "Honest Abe"
As a young man in Illinois, Lincoln worked as a store clerk, surveyor, and postmaster. People quickly noticed his remarkable honesty. One famous story tells that when he accidentally charged a customer a few pennies too much at the general store, he closed up shop and walked miles in the dark just to return the change. Neighbors trusted his word completely and began calling him "Honest Abe." He studied law books by himself and became a well-respected lawyer who always stood up for what was fair.
Leading a Divided Nation
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States. It was the hardest time in American history. The country was divided into the North and the South during the Civil War. President Lincoln worked tirelessly to protect the Union and keep the United States together as one single nation. In 1863, he issued the historic Emancipation Proclamation, declaring freedom for millions of enslaved people. Through wisdom, patience, and courage, Lincoln guided America through its greatest struggle.
Key Words to Know
- Union: The United States joined together as one whole nation.
- Emancipation: The act of setting someone free from slavery.
Lincoln Fast Facts
- • Standing 6 ft 4 in, Lincoln was the tallest U.S. president.
- • He kept speeches, letters, and notes safe inside his tall stovepipe hat!
- • His face is carved onto Mount Rushmore and is on the penny and $5 bill.
Finished reading? Continue to Page 2 for your questions and activities. Turn Page
Activities & Review Abraham Lincoln
Page 2 of 2
Show What You Learned
Answer the questions below using details and evidence from the passage on Page 1.
Name:
Part 1: Text Comprehension
1. Why did young Abraham Lincoln practice writing on wooden boards by the fire?
A He wanted to carve furniture for neighbors
B His family was poor and did not have paper or lamps
C His school teacher gave him extra homework
D He was building a general store in Illinois
2. What does the word Union mean in the context of the Civil War?
A A club for lawyers and store clerks
B A railroad connecting eastern towns
C The United States joined together as one nation
D A map of one-room schoolhouses
3. How did Lincoln earn the nickname "Honest Abe"?
A He was famous for telling jokes in town
B He walked miles to return extra change to a customer
C He was the tallest candidate for president
D He wrote his speeches in stovepipe hats
Part 2: Timeline Challenge
Write numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the circles to put the events in order.
Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation to free enslaved people.
Young Abe is born in a Kentucky log cabin and borrows books to read.
Lincoln is elected the sixteenth President of the United States.
Neighbors give Lincoln the nickname "Honest Abe" for his fair dealings.
Part 3: Think Like a Historian
Which of Abraham Lincoln's character traits (honesty, curiosity, or courage) do you admire the most? Write 2–3 sentences explaining why, using an example from the text.
