Publishers Weekly - Publisher's 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.'' Ages 8-12. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
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.
From the Publisher
"A realistic, perceptive, and unromanticized photobiography of Lincoln, including a sampler of quotations from his writings and speeches." — Booklist
"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
"Few, if any, of the many books written for children about Lincoln can compare with Freedman's contribution. . . . This is an outstanding example of what (juvenile) biography can be. Like Lincoln himself, it stands head and shoulders above its competition." — School Library Journal
NOVEMBER 2008 - AudioFile
This kid-friendly and informative biography will engage a wide audience of listeners. A 1988 Newbery Award winner, the book includes interesting stories that may be familiar (Lincoln's rugged, dirt-floor-poor early life) and other facts that may not (he hated being called "Abe"). As the author offers a glimpse of life at a very different time, Robert Petkoff blends a careful (though never dry) narration with lively reenactments of regional accents. Petkoff recreates the slightly reedy voice of Lincoln, as well as the voices of friends and political figures who surrounded him during his life. This production, which is comprehensive yet fast moving, also includes a bonus feature of an enhanced CD with a slide show of archival photographs, as well as an interview with the author. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
