This book deals with the issue of racism and can be used as a tool to introduce diversity and tolerance in a classroom setting.

Eugene “Mean Gene” Esterhouse terrorizes other students on the playground and says offensive remarks.

Mr. Lincoln decides to create a bird atrium at the school to help Eugene change his behavior.

A couple of days later, a teacher reports to Mr. Lincoln that Eugene had made racial comments to two students in the lunch line.

The ducks need to live near the pond, so Mr. Lincoln and Eugene come up with a plan and start to lure them to the river.

[1] According to the publisher of the book, Philomel Books, “With Patricia Polacco's trademark illustrations and gentle text, Mr. Lincoln's Way celebrates the unforgettable school principal who touches the lives of his students and truly empowers them.”[2] According to Booklist, “This story is vintage Polacco--a multicultural neighborhood setting, a cast of believable characters (some larger than life), and a satisfying ending guaranteed to bring tears to even hard-boiled cynics.

Polacco's signature watercolor illustrations take on springtime hues here; they're especially apparent in Mr. Lincoln's bright pink shirts and ties.