Lincoln: A Photobiography By Russell Freedman

Clarion Books-Ticknor & Fields: A Houghton Miflin Co.

Published in 1987/1988 Newbery Award Winner

ISBN: 0-89919-380-3Complete Biography: Juvenile Lit

This complete biography with pictures was written to give children age 9-12 a comprehensive, unique, candid & visually fascinating account of our 16th President’s life, from birth in the Kentucky frontier through his awkward & meandering adolescence in the now-ghost town of New Salem, Illinois to his tragic assassination in Washington, DC. Freedman presents the facts & happenings of Lincoln’s life in a way that the reader can relate to Lincoln.

A reoccurring theme throughout is one of perseverance, humility, ambition, & success; when Lincoln looked down for the count, he would roar back. When Lincoln was $1,100 in debt & homeless at 23, he networked & became local Postmaster. Embarrassed about his lack of education, he taught himself law through borrowed books. When his future wife’s family forbid marriage, he waited 15 months & convinced them. When his re-election chances were written off at the height of the War, Lincoln did not flinch & was victorious.

With tensions blazing, doubters everywhere, & blood spilling, the Civil War’s ending was welcome. Lincoln’s unpopular stance to preserve the country & outlaw slavery were vindicated. However, it did not last long. After years of death threats & increased security, irony reigned as Lincoln was killed in 1865 while watching Our American Cousin in Ford’s Theatre by actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth. Only after the violence on the battlefield stopped was it inflicted on Lincoln. He died the next morning…and forever after “belonged to the ages”.

I chose this book because I was curious about the entire life story of Lincoln & also the enthralling & rare photographs. I also love to read biographies of history makers, & want to promote non-fiction to

children.

Children aged 9-12 would absolutely love this book. It is easy to read, shows Lincoln as a young child, teaches history without being boring or predictable, has a plethora of fascinating pictures & shows what a great role model Lincoln still is, even if he was born more than 150 years ago.

Lincoln: A Photobiography is intended for children 9-12, but BELIEVE ME, adults & teens will also enjoy reading. Quick paced, full of obscure but vital facts, relatable stories of hardship & triumph, this book will teach, inspire, awe & visually stimulate. History does not have to be boring, & it surely is not here. Just how important Lincoln’s leadership was is seen everyday in America, & this is one of the best books written about his never dull life. Also, don’t forget, it won the Newbery Award for distinguished contributions to American Lit for kids!

Photos from Lincoln: A Photobiography

Antietam, MD 10/3/1862

Thomas Lincoln, Abraham’s father

Lincoln at 48, before the beard

Mary Todd Lincoln