Gr 2–6—Based on the book by Nikki Giovanni (Holt, 2008), this production explores the little-known friendship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Giovanni examines the similarities and differences in events in both their lives that led them to become important historical figures and great American leaders, and shows the commonalities that might have led to their friendship. Slavery, the abolition movement, Harper's Ferry, other famous abolitionists, and a foreshadowing of Lincoln's untimely death are presented. As Danny Glover reads the evocative text, Bryan Collier's exquisite multimedia illustrations are iconographically scanned with minor animation and some archival photographs added. Collier's often haunting work merits close examination, adding an additional poignant layer to the text. Original music also helps create a production that touches both heart and mind. There is also a somewhat rambling interview with Giovanni that provides interesting tidbits into the research for and motivation for writing the book. Optional read-along subtitles are available. This nicely done production has a variety of classroom uses and curriculum applications.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

A dramatic double-page spread of the Emancipation Proclamation fast-forwards to a March evening in 1865 at the White House, where President and Mrs. Lincoln are hosting an inaugural ball and to which Frederick Douglass is an invited guest. Giovanni then goes back in time to Douglass's and Lincoln's childhoods, comparing and contrasting. It's then back to the ball via Harpers Ferry and the Civil War. The text, already disjointed, even devotes two pages to John Brown and Mary Ellen Pleasant (who helped raise money for Brown), further fracturing the narrative. Collier's large paintings are dramatic, particularly one of soldiers in grey fighting soldiers in blue and another of a slave looking out from the divided pieces of an American flag. Unfortunately, both Lincoln and Douglass are depicted with oddly shaped faces and strange hairdos, which often resemble toupées. The stiff dialogue is unsourced by any notes. It's the season for Lincolnalia, but this team, who collaborated successfully on Rosa (2005), fail to present a focused work that will be meaningful to children. (timeline) (Picture book. 4-7)

"Clear, accessible storytelling...the story of two powerful men who shaped the course of the United States, but also a brief history of the war that raged while they forged a fast but deep friendship."—Publishers Weekly

When a picture book wins a Caldecott Honor Medal, it takes a skilled narrator to capture the story’s words AND its illustrations. Jerry Dixon’s gentle, intimate presentation welcomes the listener to Henry "Box" Brown's life. One can only be impressed by Henry’s character as he experiences the gruesome existence of a slave during the mid-1800s. Nothing can ameliorate his pain as his family is torn apart, and nothing can deter him from inflicting injury to himself in order to initiate his unusual plan. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine