Lincoln: A Photobiography

Lincoln: A Photobiography

By Russell Freedman

Published by Clarion Books (1987)

Reading Level: Ages 9-12 years

Pages: 160

Genre: Nonfiction

Summary: Abraham Lincoln had simple beginnings as a kid, he was tall and skinny and his father would hire him out to chop wood because he was also really strong. He didn't have much time for formal education, but he was an avid reader. As an adult he got involved in politics and studied law. He eventually opened his own law office with a partner and he was a very popular lawyer because he would defend anybody. Lincoln married a lady named Mary Ann Todd, even though her parents didn't like him. They had four children. Abraham Lincoln eventually ran for president. he was open about how he felt about slavery, that he was opposed to it, but he didn't plan on setting the slaves free. He was elected president and the South part of the United States decided to separate from the rest of the union. Lincoln wanted to save the states and they went to war. He had a hard time finding a general that would do what he wanted he finally found one they one the war. during the war Lincoln signed the agreement that freed the slaves throughout the union. Lincoln was murdered when he was at the theater by John Wilkes Booth. Thousands came to see the deceased president.

My Reaction: I didn't think I would like it, when I first looked at the book i thought it looked boring. It wasn't. I actually enjoyed it and it kept me engaged. The pictures were interesting as well.

Potential Problems: It does talk a lot about the war. Some of the photographs show the battlefields and the corpses could look a little scary.

Recommendations: I would recommend this to children around fourth grade on up. Also to anyone with an interest in American history.