Plot Summary
Freedman uses almost 100 photographs, and a sprinkling of text to chronicle the life of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The books covers Lincoln's life starting with his childhood and ending with that infamous night at Ford's Theater.
Personal Reaction
What a wonderful and unique way to tell a story that has been told and retold countless times throughout history. It is a fascinating walk through Abraham Lincoln's life, made more personal through the use of primary sources of information.
Memorable Literary Element
Freedman relies largely on the photographs and personal quotes of Lincoln to tell the story, using his own words sparingly, but artfully and appropriately to enhance, but not overshadow the experience.
Illustrations
No illustrations; only historical photographs.
Freedman uses almost 100 photographs, and a sprinkling of text to chronicle the life of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. The books covers Lincoln's life starting with his childhood and ending with that infamous night at Ford's Theater.
Personal Reaction
What a wonderful and unique way to tell a story that has been told and retold countless times throughout history. It is a fascinating walk through Abraham Lincoln's life, made more personal through the use of primary sources of information.
Memorable Literary Element
Freedman relies largely on the photographs and personal quotes of Lincoln to tell the story, using his own words sparingly, but artfully and appropriately to enhance, but not overshadow the experience.
Illustrations
No illustrations; only historical photographs.
Reviews/Awards
Newbery Medal; 1988
Jefferson Cup Award
Golden Kite Honor Book Award
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
KIRKUS - Relying on the recent scholarly biographies that have argued that many famous Abraham Lincoln stories are myths, Freedman carefully introduces a more realistic portrait than is usually found in juvenile biographies. The well-loved tales of Abe (a nickname he hated) courting Anne Rutledge, splitting rails in New Salem, or walking miles to obtain books are put into perspective with a few sentences. Lincoln comes alive as a conscientious lawyer who put clients at ease with stories but was a hopeless slob with files and papers. Freedman also offers a concise but excellent picture of Lincoln's struggle with the ethics and the politics of slavery, as well as his frustrating search for the right general to lead the Union troops. The 90 black-and-white photographs are highlighted by fine book design and by Freedman's comments about the nature of photography in the mid-1800's. While the photographs contribute much, it is Freedman's talent for putting the right details in uncomplicated prose that provides a very sharp focus for this Lincoln portrait. Appendixes include Lincoln quotes from 1832-1865, a description of Lincoln sites, notes on materials consulted, and an index. This is a necessary purchase for all collections--and an opportunity for librarians to scrutinize earlier biographies on Lincoln that have long occupied their shelves.
Publishers Weekly - This Newbery Award-winning study of our 16th president is highly readable and meticulously organized. In a boxed review, PW hailed it as a "superb, encompassing account" of "an intriguing, recognizable human being."
School Library Journal - 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.
Review"A realistic, perceptive, and unromanticized photobiography of Lincoln, including a sampler of quotations from his writings and speeches." -- Booklist, ALA, Editor's Choice
"Eloquent. . . . A human portrait of a politician honorably confronting the most vexing issues of his era. . . . This biography feels astonishly real." -- The New York Times Book Review
Amazon.com - This work is perhaps the most complete and enjoyable children's book ever written about one of the nation's most fascinating and important figures, Abraham Lincoln. Russell Freedman covers Lincoln's life and career in a balanced treatment that is enhanced by period photographs and drawings.
Newbery Medal; 1988
Jefferson Cup Award
Golden Kite Honor Book Award
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
KIRKUS - Relying on the recent scholarly biographies that have argued that many famous Abraham Lincoln stories are myths, Freedman carefully introduces a more realistic portrait than is usually found in juvenile biographies. The well-loved tales of Abe (a nickname he hated) courting Anne Rutledge, splitting rails in New Salem, or walking miles to obtain books are put into perspective with a few sentences. Lincoln comes alive as a conscientious lawyer who put clients at ease with stories but was a hopeless slob with files and papers. Freedman also offers a concise but excellent picture of Lincoln's struggle with the ethics and the politics of slavery, as well as his frustrating search for the right general to lead the Union troops. The 90 black-and-white photographs are highlighted by fine book design and by Freedman's comments about the nature of photography in the mid-1800's. While the photographs contribute much, it is Freedman's talent for putting the right details in uncomplicated prose that provides a very sharp focus for this Lincoln portrait. Appendixes include Lincoln quotes from 1832-1865, a description of Lincoln sites, notes on materials consulted, and an index. This is a necessary purchase for all collections--and an opportunity for librarians to scrutinize earlier biographies on Lincoln that have long occupied their shelves.
Publishers Weekly - This Newbery Award-winning study of our 16th president is highly readable and meticulously organized. In a boxed review, PW hailed it as a "superb, encompassing account" of "an intriguing, recognizable human being."
School Library Journal - 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.
Review"A realistic, perceptive, and unromanticized photobiography of Lincoln, including a sampler of quotations from his writings and speeches." -- Booklist, ALA, Editor's Choice
"Eloquent. . . . A human portrait of a politician honorably confronting the most vexing issues of his era. . . . This biography feels astonishly real." -- The New York Times Book Review
Amazon.com - This work is perhaps the most complete and enjoyable children's book ever written about one of the nation's most fascinating and important figures, Abraham Lincoln. Russell Freedman covers Lincoln's life and career in a balanced treatment that is enhanced by period photographs and drawings.
Promotion Idea
A book talk would be a great way for students to share there thoughts, feelings, or questions during the reading of this biography. The book talk could be managed online via KidBlog using the discussion questions attached below.
The most obvious use of this Newbery winner is to incorporate it into a social studies unit on the Civil War, slavery issues, race sensitivity, and/or presidents of the United States.
After listening to the Gettysburg Address, hand out a copy of the text to each student. Using a dictionary and thesaurus to look up unknown words, students should rewrite the speech in his/her own words.
A book talk would be a great way for students to share there thoughts, feelings, or questions during the reading of this biography. The book talk could be managed online via KidBlog using the discussion questions attached below.
The most obvious use of this Newbery winner is to incorporate it into a social studies unit on the Civil War, slavery issues, race sensitivity, and/or presidents of the United States.
After listening to the Gettysburg Address, hand out a copy of the text to each student. Using a dictionary and thesaurus to look up unknown words, students should rewrite the speech in his/her own words.
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If are in the market for a good resource Website for a middle school unit on the Civil War, click here.
Photo retrieved from here