Celebrate the Lincoln Bicentennial
Resources Too Good To Miss
The editors of School Library Journal -- School Library Journal, 1/27/2009
Contents
Lincoln in Print: SLJ Reviews Books on Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln on the Web: Internet Sites Covering President Lincoln and Bicentennial Events
Archival Lincoln: SLJ Articles on Our 16th President
- All About Abe: Focus on Lincoln Bicentennial
- Lincoln's Legacy: New Books Offer Revealing Insights into a Remarkable Life
- Happy Birthday, Abe: Celebrate Lincoln's Big 2-0-0 with These Fun Books
Introduction
The Lincoln Bicentennial has sparked a prodigious creative outpouring from publishers of all stripes, producing an impressive array of books and media for readers from preschool through high school. It has been exciting to see the range and quality of materials that have been generated about someone who already was the most written about figure in American history. New fiction, nonfiction, picture books, and original scholarship about the man, the myth, his family and friends, and the times in which he lived have been added to the canon. Lincoln’s own words have figured prominently in these works and the challenges and achievements of his years in office have struck a chord with today’s readers as the 2008 presidential campaign played out and the nation looks to the wisdom and inspiration of the 16th president as our country faces monumental challenges.
We have gathered some of our coverage of the topic, added information about some of the best available resources, and included links to others that you may find useful in planning Lincoln celebrations of your own.
Lincoln in Print: SLJ Reviews Books on Abraham Lincoln
**indicates a starred review in School Library Journal
**ALLEN, Thomas B. Mr. Lincoln's High-Tech War: How the North Used the Telegraph, Railroads, Surveillance Balloons, Ironclads, High-Powered Weapons, and More to Win the Civil War. 144p. diags. illus. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2008. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0379-1; PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0380-7. LC 2008024546.
Gr 5 Up–Presidential use of technology is a pertinent topic whether considered during the 2008 election or the Civil War. This volume examines Lincoln’s lifelong interest in technology and inventions and how he brought these “new and useful things” to the nation. The 19th century saw transformations in transportation and industry and many of these innovations were utilized by the North in its victory over the South. Offering an overview of the war, the book presents chapters on topics including Lincoln’s pre-inauguration train trip to Washington in February 1861, the North’s Anaconda Plan for blockading Southern ports, surveillance balloons, the ironclads, new guns and ammunition, and–most importantly–the telegraph and railroads.
The lively, well-researched text makes it clear that Lincoln grasped the concept of “total war” and did not hesitate to exploit the latest know-how to ensure victory. Nineteenth-century photos, reproductions, and political cartoons appear throughout, each with an informative caption. Time lines and numerous sidebars treating topics such as the Emancipation Proclamation or Morse code are also included. An outstanding section of online resources sifts out sites of “especially high value.” This book is a vital addition to the Lincoln shelf and an exceptional and novel approach for students investigating the Civil War.–Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL
AYLESWORTH, Jim. Our Abe Lincoln. illus. by Barbara McClintock. unpaged. score. CIP. Scholastic. Jan. 2009. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-92548-8. LC 2007031060.
PreS-Gr 3–With a fresh approach to Lincoln that is both delightful and accurate, Aylesworth sets history to the tune of “The Old Gray Mare,” and the derivative song “Our Abe Lincoln Came Out of the Wilderness,” which was popular during the 16th president’s campaign.
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Our Abe Lincoln (Aylesworth) © 2009 by Barbara McClintock |
McClintock captures the exuberance with charming visuals that outline significant aspects of the leader’s life and lore. Scenes rendered in watercolor and pen and ink feature a multicultural cast. Details such as pegs on their cabin wall demonstrate the careful research that informed the illustrations. A short paragraph at the end explains each scene. As an introduction for young children, this is a perfect resource, for the engaging images and catchy phrasing as well as for the larger story that it so deftly summarizes.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
BURLEIGH, Robert. Abraham Lincoln Comes Home. illus. by Wendell Minor. unpaged. CIP. Holt. 2008. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8050-7529-8. LC 2007040030.
Gr 1-4–Following Lincoln’s death, his body was taken back to Illinois for burial. Burleigh focuses on one boy’s perceptions as he and his father travel through the night by horse-drawn carriage to see the funeral train pass. Full-spread images capture the cool night and the hot bonfires, the solemnity of the locals, and the grandness of the train. Both artist and writer researched the trains, engines, and events surrounding Lincoln’s final journey; they use an original image of the paper flags waved at mourning processions for endpapers and offer more information and additional resources on the title-page verso.
Minor’s gouache watercolors capture the prairie as well as multiple perspectives of the train, while Burleigh’s prose is almost poetic with its rhythm, “Past speeches and silence. Past black drapes, heaped roses, archways of green leaves, and the sound of muffled drums.” The result is sensuous with sounds, sights, and the emotion of the event. While the looming image of Lincoln looks much less stressed and creased than his final visage, he is ennobled in this historic picture book.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
**DENENBERG, Barry. Lincoln Shot: A President's Life Remembered. illus. by Christopher Bing. 40p. reprods. chron. index. CIP. Feiwel & Friends. Oct. 2008. RTE $24.95. ISBN 978-0-312-37013-8. LC 2007048851.
Gr 5 Up–A special memorial edition of “The National News,” published a year to the day after Lincoln was assassinated, is how this oversize (12 x 18) chronicle of Lincoln’s life is positioned. The combination of a compelling story, engaging visuals, and large format distinguishes this work. Opening with a short note from the publisher that sets the context, the old-fashioned typefaces, stained and yellowed pages, 1860s’ advertisements, woodcut engravings, and period photographs all contribute to the antique appeal. Details of the president’s death are followed by information about the assassin and his accomplices. Following these facts is the history of Lincoln’s life, starting with his boyhood, moving through his early years in Illinois, family life with Mary Todd and political career, his rise to the presidency, and, finally, the Civil War, closing with Lee’s surrender and the ominous statement: “Five days later Abraham Lincoln became the first president ever assassinated.”
Ornate running heads listing the time in history and boldface type featuring headlines of the day outline the story, and maps, photos, letters, historical posters, reproductions, and Bing’s original artwork appear throughout. Perhaps in keeping with the news-rag style, the authors did not include sources, although a chronology of Lincoln’s life is added and a note directs readers to the publisher’s Web site for bibliographic information. The back page features Whitman’s “O Captain! My Captain!” Although too large for most library shelves, the book has great value, and its graphic quality makes it worth the search for space.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
FINKELMAN, Paul & Martin J. Hershock, eds. The Political Lincoln: An Encyclopedia. 765p. photos. reprods. bibliog. index. CQ. 2008. Tr $135. ISBN 978-0-87289-486-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up–Well-researched entries examine all aspects of our 16th president’s life and career through the perspective of politics. Biographies of key figures in Lincoln’s administration and his personal life examine how they played a part in his political development or in his presidency. Other entries cover the various events that led up to the Civil War, including the early compromise attempts by the U. S. government and the attack on Fort Sumter, as well as key events and battles of the war. Students can also read about Edward Everett and his speech before Lincoln’s at Gettysburg; about the origins of the Lincoln penny and the eponymous Memorial; and the Homestead Act. There is some unevenness in writing style and quality, and small factual errors. For example, the entry on Andrew Johnson talks about his early political career in Greenville, TN; the town is, in fact, named Greeneville. The sprinkling of black-and-white photographs and other reproductions are informative and contribute to the text. In a year in which many Lincoln reference works are published, this one will add a different dimension to reference collections, and will be particularly valuable for Advanced Placement students.–Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
**FLEMING, Candace. The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. 196p. maps. photos. reprods. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Oct. 2008. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-375-83618-3; PLB $28.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93618-0. LC 2007044113.
Gr 6 Up–What did this backwoods boy and this bluegrass girl have in common? Using her signature scrapbook approach, Fleming lays out the answer in a biography that gives equal emphasis to Abraham and Mary Lincoln for an insightful portrait of their lives. Her scholarship over five years pays off with a rich account that is personal and concrete. She recounts Mary’s early life as a privileged–but motherless–child, her ambitions for her husband, and her role as “first lady” (a term originally coined for her).
Large and small details are juxtaposed with specifics about Lincoln and broadened by Mary’s significance. For example, a political decision was made regarding her attendance at the debates; Lincoln wanted to preserve his “common man” image rather than show off his refined and educated wife. Unlike most biographies, which conclude with Lincoln’s death, this one follows Mary’s story to the end, detailing Robert Todd’s role in her commitment to an insane asylum, Tad’s death, and her own demise. Presented in period typefaces, the boxed bits of text, sidebars, and numerous running heads and subheads provide commentary and add detail. From portraits to pets, the book contains a wide variety of graphics, including written and visual primary documents that enrich every spread. Notes, resources, and source notes are exemplary. It’s hard to imagine a more engaging or well-told biography of the Lincolns.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
HOLZER, Harold & Joshua Wolf Shenk, eds. In Lincoln's Hand: His Original Manuscripts with Commentary by Distinguished Americans. 208p. illus. photos. reprods. Bantam. 2009. Tr $35. ISBN 978-0-553-80742-4. LC 2008036674.
Adult/High School–This book has been published in conjunction with the Library of Congress’s exhibition marking the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. The beautifully produced volume culls some 40 documents handwritten by the president together with an equal number of commentaries by present-day Americans of note. These contributors range from past presidents (Carter, Clinton, Bush, and Bush) to authors and scholars (John Updike, John Hope Franklin, Toni Morrison, Sven Birkerts), and to people with careers in the performing arts (Steven Spielberg, Liam Neeson, Ken Burns, Conan O’Brien). They all offer brief, thoughtful reflections on the manuscripts presented. The quality of the reproductions is high, providing readers with an accurate representation of the color and texture of the documents, and the clarity of the handwriting in them. Also, the volume is generously illustrated with well-chosen and well-presented photographs, drawings, and prints. But by far its greatest triumph lies in the thoughts and words of Lincoln himself and the unique window into the creation of those words the handwritten sheets of paper provide. In these drafts of speeches (including Gettysburg and the first and second inaugurals), letters, notes, poems, and other writings, readers glimpse the mind of the author at work. They see strikeovers, insertions, rewriting in the margins; they even see where Lincoln paused to dip his pen in the ink. Everyone knows about Lincoln’s political accomplishments, his statesmanship, and his oratory skills, but they’ll still learn much more from this volume.–Robert Saunderson, formerly at Berkeley Public Library, CA
HOPKINSON, Deborah. Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale (Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend). illus. by John Hendrix. unpaged. CIP. Random/Schwartz & Wade Bks. Sept. 2008. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-83768-5; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93768-2. LC 2007035149.
K-Gr 3–Hopkinson has created a lively, participatory tale that will surely stand out among the many titles published to honor the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. With a conspiratorial wink at the audience, an omniscient narrator invites readers to watch seven-year-old Abe and his real-life friend Austin Gollaher succumb to the “dare you” lure of a roaring creek and a perilous crossing on a fallen log (an author’s note details the genesis of the story). Imagine where we as a nation might be if unsung-hero Austin hadn’t been there to rescue impetuous Abraham from his tumble into those tumultuous waters.
In dialogic asides and exclamations, the author addresses the illustrator and brings him (or, rather, his pencil-wielding hand) onstage to collaborate and correct, and also speaks to readers, inviting involvement and evoking response. Hendrix’s illustrations have a naive and rustic flavor that’s in perfect harmony with the gravelly, homespun narrator’s voice (keen-eyed readers will find a rendering of the storyteller in the endpaper art). Energetic spreads give a big, broad, horizontal view of the green Kentucky valley setting with its rambling curves, rolling mountains, and rushing waters, and a very effective impression of how long that creek-crossing must have seemed…maybe. “For that’s the thing about history,” Hopkinson says, “if you weren’t there, you can’t know for sure.” What you can know for sure is that this is a book you should add to your shelves.–Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT
LANDAU, Elaine. The Emancipation Proclamation: Would You Do What Lincoln Did? 48p. (What Would You Do? Series). maps. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow Elementary. 2008. PLB $23.93. ISBN 978-0-7660-2899-9. LC 2007023374.
Gr 4-7–Landau employs an engaging format to involve readers in historical turning points. Readers are asked to take on various roles, such as the governor of a Southern state, a Northern elected official, an abolitionist, and even President Lincoln himself, and then to consider what would happen if particular courses of action were followed. This personalized approach helps students understand varying perspectives and gain a fuller appreciation of why individuals made the choices they did. Because the book focuses on the Emancipation Proclamation, however, it does characterize the Civil War as being solely about slavery. Period photographs, including pictures of primary-source documents, and a colorful page layout add visual appeal. Used along with other sources to provide greater context, this title is an accessible and appealing introduction.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA
MAZER, Harry. My Brother Abe: Sally Lincoln's Story. 202p. glossary. CIP. S & S. 2009. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-3884-2. LC 2008001106.
Gr 4-7–Mazer has based this story broadly around known facts of the Lincolns’ childhood. Through the voice of his sister, readers learn about pioneer life. Crossing the Ohio River into what would become Indiana after being forced off their land in Kentucky, living in a half-faced shelter over one winter, and losing their mother become immediate and poignant when seen through Sally’s eyes. While her brother is quick to accept their new stepmother, Sally is not so easily won over, and her feelings and fear of betraying her mother’s memory are understandable. Abraham’s difficulties with his father, his reluctance to kill animals, the hard work of homesteading, and his longing for education are depicted. Through such vivid details, Mazer offers an engaging and believable tale of survival.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
RABIN, Staton. Mr. Lincoln's Boys: Being the Mostly True Adventures of Abraham Lincoln's Trouble-making Sons, Tad and Willie. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. unpaged. bibliog. Web sites. CIP. Viking. Sept. 2008. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06169-3. LC 2008001774.
Gr 1-4–Tad and Willie, the mischievous sons of President Abraham Lincoln, scampered around the White House surprising and irritating almost everyone. Their pranks, however, delighted their father, who was faced with the grim realities of the Civil War.
After an introductory few pages that will help children understand the historical context, Rabin strings several stories together. One time the boys rigged all the service bells in the attic to ring at once, causing both chaos and concern: “Servants rushed up and down the stairs, wondering who had called them,” and Lincoln’s secretaries feared a national crisis. Another time, they interrupted a serious war-planning meeting with a general, bouncing on their father’s knees, pulling his nose, and creating such a commotion that the frustrated general finally said, “Mr. President, can’t you do something about those rascals?!” to which Lincoln replied, “Let the children have a good time.”
Rabin includes the story of the pardoning of Jack, the children’s doll that, dressed like a flashy Zouave soldier, committed many military infractions. An extensive author’s note explains that the incident was drawn from Tad Lincoln’s Father, written by Julia Taft, a family friend who often served as the boys’ nanny. Fictionalized dialogue throughout is believable. A large part of the appeal of this book can be credited to Ibatoulline’s masterful illustrations. Evocative and detailed, they fill the pages with visual information and emotion. Readers will be intrigued by the antics of these famous children.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI
ST. GEORGE, Judith. Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln. illus. by Matt Faulkner. unpaged. bibliog. CIP. Philomel. Dec. 2007. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24174-1. LC 2006024877.
Gr 1-4–This account of Lincoln’s childhood is written in fast-paced, short sentences. St. George, author of So You Want to Be President? (Philomel, 2000), uses a folksy, conversational style and incorporates old-fashioned words such as “ignoramus” and “dunderheads” to add to the period feel. She chose incidents from Lincoln’s life that will help children understand the man he became, demonstrating an early awareness of the feelings of others and a desire for fairness. She also emphasizes how family members, including his mother and stepmother, helped Lincoln to achieve his potential.
Faulkner’s humorous illustrations are a perfect match for the text. Children accustomed to typically staid photographs of Lincoln will laugh out loud seeing him depicted as a squalling baby and a young boy riding a pet pig. The expressive images are done in a caricature style, with slightly exaggerated hands, feet, and heads. Large and colorful, the visuals sprawl across the spreads as if the action cannot be easily contained. Although the narrative covers only Lincoln’s younger years, his adult professional life is summarized in an endnote.–Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, VA
SWANSON, James L. Chasing Lincoln's Killer: The Search for John Wilkes Booth. 208p. photos. reprods. CIP. Scholastic. Feb. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-90354-7. LC 2008017994.
Gr 5 Up–This volume is an adaptation of Swanson’s Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer (HarperCollins, 2006). Divided into 14 chapters and an epilogue, the sentences are shorter and chapters are condensed from the original but the rich details and suspense are ever present. Missing is a bibliography and notes section. Excellent black-and-white illustrations complement the text. Devoted to the South, John Wilkes Booth had planned to kidnap Lincoln and hold him hostage, but when that plan did not materialize, he hatched his assassination plot. Co-conspirators in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia helped him escape and evade capture for 12 days before being surrounded in a barn and killed. Readers will be engrossed by the almost hour-by-hour search and by the many people who encountered the killer as he tried to escape. It is a tale of intrigue and an engrossing mystery. With the approaching bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth, this is a most welcome addition to all libraries.–Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL
THOMSON, Sarah L. What Lincoln Said. illus. by James E. Ransome. unpaged. chron. HarperCollins. Jan. 2009. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-084819-4; PLB $18.89. ISBN 978-0-06-084820-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–By using Lincoln’s own words, Thomson builds a portrait that relates his statements to significant events in his life. From commenting on making his first dollar (“The world seemed wider and fairer before me.”) to working hard, his attitude toward slavery (“If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.”) to his reaction to war, and finally to signing the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s character and times are revealed. Short descriptions of the circumstances and a related quote are set on bold, colorful spreads. Ransome delivers a larger-than-life portrait of this homely president with acrylic, almost cartoonlike paintings. Lincoln kneels on a map, trying to hold the Union together, reaches out to angry Southerners saying, “We are not enemies, but friends,” and frets over the war. His awkward size, dedication to his cause, and serious side all come across. An engaging overview, this is a worthy introduction to this famous president.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
WELLS, Rosemary. Lincoln and His Boys. illus. by P. J. Lynch. 96p. Candlewick. Jan. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3723-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–Inspired by a 200-word essay by Willie Lincoln, Wells offers a fictional account of Lincoln and his boys. Written first from Willie’s point of view, then Tad’s after Willie dies, it’s a touching account of Lincoln as a patient and loving father, ready with a story, and in possession of infinite tolerance where his sons are concerned. Conversations between him and his boys shed light on what’s happening at the time and on Lincoln’s straightforward manner. “There are a hundred reasons why things happen, Willie. Those reasons fan out like circles around a stone thrown into a pond. The stone in the center of those reason rings is called truth. Truth is the very hardest thing on earth to see clear.”
Occasional colloquialisms like “four-flusher,” “shicoonery,” and “haberdasher” might challenge young readers, but in context the ideas are clear. Lynch captures the people and the warmth of their interactions in carefully researched oil paintings that reflect his mastery with light, perspective, and portraiture. The story closes with Lincoln’s last speech, Tad at his side, while he instructs the band to play “Dixie.” Presenting the president from his children’s viewpoint makes this an accessible portrait that brings both the family and the times to life.–Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library
Lincoln-related TeachingBooks.net resources
