Books for Children
Monument Maker
History shapes our lives. And what we do with our lives can shape history. That’s how it was with Daniel Chester French…
When Abraham Lincoln was shot to death in 1865, fifteen-year-old Dan French had no way to know that one day his tribute to the great president would transform a Washington, DC marsh into a national gathering place. He only knew that he liked making things with his hands.
Almost 50 years later, he used that experience and his artistic talent to create a monument that was his expression of what it means for a person to become, over the years, very good at what he loves, and for that talent to inspire people across the country.
Thanks to Dan’s lovingly sculpted masterpiece, Abraham Lincoln lives on as the man of marble, his craggy face and careworn gaze reminding millions of seekers what America can be. Dan’s statue is no lifeless figure, but a powerful, vital touchstone for a nation’s ideals.
We hope this book will both delight and unite!
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Awards & Lists
2019 Cybils Award Finalist
– The Children’s Book Council
Starred Review
BOOKLIST
Reviews and Praise
“… a true work of American history. This marvelous book is deserving of your love. See to it that your love is worthy of it.”
– Elizabeth Bird, Fuse 8 Productions
“If ever a book was crafted to explain the artistic life to young readers—indeed, to inspire artistically minded young people to pursue their own dreams and gifts—Linda Booth Sweeney’s gem of a biography is the one. Daniel Chester French always hoped his sculpture would appeal to, and inspire, young people, and Monument Maker will help do so.”
– Harold Holzer, author of Monument Man: The Life and Art of Daniel Chester French
“…an exquisite biography that brings history to life for young readers.”
– Children's Book Council
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