Lincoln: A Photobiography

 

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Freedman, Russell. 1987. Lincoln: A Photobiography. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 0899193803

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

This photobiography shares the life of Abraham Lincoln. It starts with his humble beginnings in log cabins throughout his childhood (and the challenges that came with that), the odd jobs he took in his young adult life before beginning his career in politics, his journey to becoming a lawyer, marrying Mary Todd Lincoln, having children, becoming president (and the opposition he faced), and his assassination.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This photobiography follows the trajectory of Lincoln’s life. It begins with his childhood and shares so many interesting facts like the names of his first teachers, the intensity of his reading habit, and his adventures as a flatboatman. There are so many incredible pictures of people important to Lincoln’s life (like his father, stepmom, friends, etc.) and places or relevant resources (like a replica of his log cabin, a page with his early handwriting, the city he lived in, advertisements, and so much more!) The aspects of Lincoln’s life that are included are interesting, relevant, and flow naturally. The history that is shared is relevant to the aspect of Lincoln’s life that is being shared, and it helps to give a better understanding of who Lincoln was. Freedman includes so many interesting quotes directly from Lincoln and the people that knew him well. The images shared are authentic, large, and as crisp as they can be. Freedman includes the resources that he used in a section in the back of the book. He also includes more resources (like books and monuments) to look into. There is also a Lincoln sampler with different quotes and their source.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred review in Kirkus Reviews: “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.”

Reviewed in 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.”

Reviewed in School Library Journal: “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.”

Newbery Medal

ALA Notable Children’s Books

Reviewed in Book Links

 

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Other books written by Russell Freedman:

Freedman, Russell. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The story behind an American friendship. ISBN: 0544668278

Freedman, Russell. Children of the Great Depression. ISBN: 0547480350

Freedman, Russell. Out of darkness: The story of Louis Braille. ISBN: 0395968887

*This book can be used to initiate discussions about the Civil War and the different elements of the time that contributed to the war.

*Invite students to write letters to Lincoln asking him any questions they have about his life or sharing anything they would like to tell him.