Mr. Lincoln's Way (Patricia Polacco)

When I asked my librarian for some recommendations for books this week she led me to the part of the library where the Patricia Polacco books are shelved. She raved on and on about her books. I was unfamiliar with them so decided to give them a try. This was one of those stories that captivated everyone in the class. Everyone was sitting and listening and looking at the pictures intently. There is magic in this book!

Goodreads summary:

Mr. Lincoln is the coolest principal ever! He knows how to do everything, from jumping rope to leading nature walks. Everyone loves him . . . except for Eugene Esterhause. "Mean Gene" hates everyone who's different. He's a bully, a bad student, and he calls people awful, racist names. But Mr. Lincoln knows that Eugene isn't really bad-he's just repeating things he's heard at home. Can the principal find a way to get through to "Mean Gene" and show him that the differences between people are what make them special? 

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.