Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream (Review)

Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream from the Inspiring the American Dream website is a story set during the Great Recession. Abraham, a young boy, finds out both of his parents have lost their jobs, and there will be no gifts for Christmas. He is determined to save Christmas for his parents and little sister.

Abraham is in the midst of texting his friends to see about odd jobs in the neighborhood when an old man with a white beard (Abraham Lincoln) pops out of his screen. Abraham is a bit surprised, but takes the old man’s hand and is immediately transported into a cyber world. During his journey, he meets a variety of well known accomplished Americans from preachers to aviators and more.

Each meeting teaches Abraham a valuable component of reaching for the American Dream such as creativity, hard work, and perseverance. The best lesson is learned on Christmas Day when he learns to give to not only his family, but others as well.

Abraham’s Journey is geared towards ages 7-12, but all four kids (16, 13, 9, and 7) joined in the read aloud. My sixteen year old daughter read the story while the rest of the kids and I sat around the table and listened. My youngest daughter liked the story, but found it a little long. Everyone else enjoyed it, and found the length fine. At the end of the story, you will find a glossary and character biographies for seven people.

I let the story digest for a while before asking them all to share what they learned. The younger two focused more on the positive character traits such as kindness, giving, etc. shown in the story. My nine year old also shared what Abraham learned about himself. Then my two teens filled in the missing dynamics by sharing the entrepreneur thread woven into the story.

As a mom, I felt the book had a good message about what it takes to go after your dream both in character and in actions. I like books that inspire one to accomplish great things, and Abraham’s Journey certainly fits that. The kids made sure the story would still be available on my iPad, so I imagine they will be reading it for themselves from time to time.

Abraham’s Journey is available as a physical book for $14.99 or in Kindle format for $9.99.

You can find out more about the authors on their website or find them on Facebook.

*Prices and information are accurate at the time of this review.

**So I went to visit a fellow reviewers blog, Loving and Learning on the High Plains, and found her review for this same book. I have to say, she raised some wonderful points. Her cons didn’t even come to my mind. I’m inspired to grow in my reviewing techniques.