Title of Book: Lincoln: A Photobiography; Author: Russell Freedman; ISBN: 978-0395518489; Published by Sandpiper.
Summary:
This great overview of Abraham Lincoln’s life focuses on the president’s involvement in the Civil War. The book has relevant photographs, drawings, and images. Included is a sampler from his speeches, a listing of historic places associated with Lincoln and bibliography.
My Impressions:
Given the title, I was a little crestfallen to see the number of photos actually included in the book. I was however, delighted to see photos of Tad and Willie Lincoln. I never before knew President Lincoln hated the nickname “Abe,” he was habitually messy, his children were undisciplined, and he was often in debt in his early years. I also learned that the North wasn’t the lovely place for Blacks I always thought it to be. They were still discriminated against and many sold themselves as indentured slaves just to have food and a place to live. I’ve never had a clearer account of the Civil War and the roles President Lincoln played. FYI- There are two photos that show dead soldiers laying in the battlefield.
Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5
Reviews and Awards:
Newbery Gold Medal 1988
Summary:
This great overview of Abraham Lincoln’s life focuses on the president’s involvement in the Civil War. The book has relevant photographs, drawings, and images. Included is a sampler from his speeches, a listing of historic places associated with Lincoln and bibliography.
My Impressions:
Given the title, I was a little crestfallen to see the number of photos actually included in the book. I was however, delighted to see photos of Tad and Willie Lincoln. I never before knew President Lincoln hated the nickname “Abe,” he was habitually messy, his children were undisciplined, and he was often in debt in his early years. I also learned that the North wasn’t the lovely place for Blacks I always thought it to be. They were still discriminated against and many sold themselves as indentured slaves just to have food and a place to live. I’ve never had a clearer account of the Civil War and the roles President Lincoln played. FYI- There are two photos that show dead soldiers laying in the battlefield.
Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5
Reviews and Awards:
Newbery Gold Medal 1988
Children's Literature Review (retrieved from Borders.com): Photographs and text trace the life of the Civil War President. Lincoln stood out in a crowd because of his wit, humor and height. The book is richly illustrated with dozens of carefully chosen photographs and prints. It starts with Lincoln's boyhood, moves to his career as a country lawyer, and then his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd. The focus of the book is the Lincoln presidency 1861-65 and a recounting of the complex issues that led a deeply divided nation to Civil War. The story concludes with Lincoln's assassination at Fords Theater on April 14, 1865. 1988 Newbery Medal, 1987 Notable Children's Book. Reviewed by Marilyn Courtot.
Suggestions for Use in a Library:
Freedman references a true account of a letter Grace Bedell wrote to presidential hopeful Lincoln, suggesting he grow a beard because his face was so thin. Read Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers by Karen Winnick which is a picture book account of that same story. As a fun inexpensive tie in, make a small display with several of those inexpensive games that features a bald and beardless face and children can use a magnetic wand to add magnetic shavings to resemble facial hair.
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