Lincoln: A Photobiography

Title: Lincoln A Photobiography

Author: Russell Freedman

Publisher: Sandpiper

Date: September 1989

Number of pages: 160 Pages

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Biography

Summary: This work is perhaps the most complete and enjoyable children 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. The photo-biography covers Lincoln's entire life: his childhood, his stint as a lawyer, his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd Lincoln, as well as his ascent from congressmen to president.

It's interesting to find out the different facts that are included in this story, about Lincolns life. In fact, a few of the next facts shared, were learned from this biography. Lincoln only had one year of structured education. As he grew older, he had a thirst for knowledge. he then went ant go a few law books to pass the bar, which then he became a lawyer without ever going to a collegiate course, ever. Also, his marriage to Mary Todd Lincoln wasn't always happy one. They argued over everything. Especially their children, whom Lincoln refused to discipline.Lincolns approach was that his wife should maintain disciplinary order within the house. This caused many marital disputes. Lincolns original agenda when elected to office was not to get rid of slavery. But with pressure from many officials, his own plantation, and colleagues, Lincoln pursued this route proceeding the election to office.

The final chapter is an account of Lincoln's assassination and death. The photographs and drawings that fill the book are drawn from many sources, including the Abraham Lincoln, the National Portrait Gallery, and other historical archives.

My reaction: I loved this book. It was full of knowledge and was an age-appropriate read for the audience it was directed towards.  I thoroughly enjoyed the information that was hidden behind the text. I didn't realize I had learned so much about the civil war, until after finishing the book. The author had a way of tying it in with Lincolns biography and stand-point, and influence in order to also relay a message of war history.  A long read, but it goes by so quick as you stay interested and enthused.

Potential problems: I see no potential problems with this book, especially for the age group its aimed for.

My recommendation: I would recommend teachers teaching 3rd-5th gradLiners use this in the classroom to teach the historical principles of our nation, and founding organization of the policy of slavery. Also contained in this book other then Lincolns life is standards or rule of law, and rights of man in regards to the civil war.