Gr. 3-8. Photographs, pictures, and narrative tell the story of the man who presided over the nation during the Civil War and present the complex problems Lincoln faced as he rose from a simple pioneer family to the presidency of the United States. The 1988 Newbery Medal book.
Gr. 4-6. Lincoln's birthday is ideal for bringing out this Newbery award-winning book and sharing the fascinating vignettes Freedman tells about one of our greatest presidents. Janet Lunn's time travel, Root Cellar, is set in the Civil War and will make an intriguing read- aloud.
Gr 5 Up Few, if any, of the many books written for children about Lincoln can compare with Freedman's contribution. More than 80 photographs and prints illustrate the crisp and informative text. The pictures have been well-placed to coordinate with the text; captions have been written with care as well. While many of the photographs are well-known, many less familiar pictures are also included. Freedman begins by contrasting the Lincoln of legend to the Lincoln of fact. His childhood, self-education, early business ventures, and entry into politics comprise the first half of the book, with the rest of the text covering his presidency and assassination. Freedman's extensive research is apparent in the liberal use he makes of quotations from original sources (letters, contemporary newspaper articles, etc.). Freedman makes clear the controversy and vilification that Lincoln engendered and endured during his presidency. A listing of historic sites open to the public and a sampler of wise and witty excerpts from Lincoln's writings complete the book. Well-organized and well-written, this is an outstanding example of what (juvenile) biography can be. Like Lincoln himself, it stands head and shoulders above its competition. Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, Mass. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Cogent narrative and well-chosen photographs document and bring to life Abraham Lincoln and his times. The 1988 Newbery Medal Book. (D 15 87)
Gr. 4-10. Loved, revered, idealized, ``more books have been written about Abraham Lincoln than any other American.' In a calm, unemotional style Freedman seeks to dispense with the romanticized folk-hero imagery and misconceptions; for example, he notes that the long ``freeze' exposure photography process of the time, which resulted in stiff and formal poses, never did justice to the real Lincoln. The author points out that while Lincoln was witty and talkative in company he rarely betrayed his inner feelings and was never fully understood by even his closest friends. Freedman traces Lincoln's early years and study of law and comments on his fierce ambition to rise above his log-cabin origins. The harsh emotional pain, melancholy, and depression endured by Lincoln and his wife Mary throughout their lives are also made clear. The antidote Lincoln so frequently used his wit and rollicking humor is seen in sharp contrast, making the accomplishments of this complex man all the more awe-inspiring. Following the account of the presidential/war years and assassination, Freedman includes a sampler of quotations from Lincoln's writings and speeches and a listing of historic sites. This eminently well-researched photo biography is outstanding; the man, his times, and his contemporaries are compellingly portrayed. PW. 973.7'092 (B) Lincoln, Abraham / Presidents [CIP] 86-33379
Gr. 4-10. A realistic, perceptive, and unromanticized photobiography of Lincoln, including a sampler of quotations from his writings and speeches. (D 15 87)
