39. Lincoln: A Photobiography

Title: Lincoln: A Photobiography
Author: Russell Freedman
Publisher: Clarion Books
Copyright Date: 1987
Number of Pages:132
Reading Level: 12+
Genre: Biography/Nonfiction

Summary
Russell Freedman’s book is one where we really get to know the character of Abraham Lincoln. First we start with his truly humble beginnings in the backwoods of Illinois. Lincoln was a hard worker and was known for the sound he made when he was felling trees. Everyone knew when Abraham was chopping wood. He was fast and strong. Lincoln was a sight to behold too, standing at six feet six inches he easily towered over people. Abraham in all went to school for less than a year. But because he was an avid reader he was high in intellect. He would be seen plowing with a book in hand. He taught himself law and was able to learn all that he needed to know for the bar exam simply by buying the books and reading them. Abraham was known to be unkempt in appearance but that didn’t stop him from catching the eye of Mary Todd. Her family completely and verbally disapproved of their marriage but love won out. They had four sons together and only two made it to adulthood. Lincoln ran for a lot of positions and in many instances lost. But when he ran for President he won. Almost right after being elected he had hard choices to make as to whether the country would be at war with itself. The effects of the war showed on Lincoln’s face as each year passed and a new photograph was taken. Lincoln genuinely cared about what the people thought and openly invited personal interviews to see what they thought. Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while at Ford’s theatre with his wife. His bodyguard was downstairs enjoying the show rather than at his post. The conspirators of his assassination were photographed and hung.

Recommendation
This was a great book to dispel the tall tales that we have heard about President Lincoln. I can’t see a kid getting through this book and enjoying it so I would suggest that it be primarily used as resource material for kids.

Problems/Conflict
Really long. I can’t see this keeping the attention of a seventh grader.

My Reaction
I think that Freedman did an excellent job of keeping personal opinion out of this book. There are a lot of instances that he could have made a judgment on the things that Lincoln did but he kept thoughts to himself. Really a very interesting book and I enjoyed it.