Mr. Lincoln’s Way

This story of Mr. Lincoln, a cool principal who is well-liked by everyone; except student “Mean” Gene. Gene is a student who bullies others and is disrespectful to teachers. Gene is labeled as “bad” and uses every opportunity to show why he’s earned a negative reputation. Everyone has written Gene off, except for Mr. Lincoln. After noticing that Gene has an affinity for birds, Mr. Lincoln gives him the task of creating a space in the atrium for birds. Over time the two create a positive relationship until Gene slips into old behaviors and uses negative, racially charged language again. Instead of writing Gene off, Mr. Lincoln digs deeper and learns that his home life is not ideal. His father uses derogatory language and Gene is influenced by it. Mr. Lincoln makes Gene promise to not let his home life negatively affect his school life. The pair continue to bond over the birds in the school’s atrium, and as the new eggs hatch, so does their relationship.