Abraham Lincoln

Children's Literature

At 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865, Abraham Lincoln died, the victim of a misguided assassin. At that moment, Edwin Stanton, Lincoln's Secretary of War, stated, "Now he belongs to the ages." In a very real sense Secretary Stanton was absolutely correct. In life, Abraham Lincoln was the focus of an enormous amount of controversy. President during the time of the Civil War, Lincoln was both praised and ridiculed for his actions. Lincoln oversaw the U.S. government during its darkest days of disunion and military catastrophe. He also oversaw the destruction of the Confederacy, the emancipation of African Americans, and the restoration of the union. In death, Abraham Lincoln became a virtual icon. His life assumed all the trappings of a saintly figure. In some ways, what was lost in this transformation was the reality of Lincoln's life as a man, husband and father. In this concise illustrated biography Abraham Lincoln's political life is described in detail. The author does a capable job of recreating the major events in his life. She handles military and political events of the Lincoln years in the White House with care. While greater attention to Lincoln's family life might well have augmented this biography, it is a well-developed book and one that will inform readers with an interest in Abraham Lincoln, his life and his times. Part of "Triangle Histories the Civil War" series. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $19.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-These biographies of individuals whose names are synonymous with the Civil War focus on the war years. The men's early lives, education, occupation, and family life are outlined in two chapters or less. All three of them overcame great personal and professional obstacles, sometimes mistakes, to reach their lifetime goals and to fulfill their duty to their country. The texts incorporate quotes, sidebars, and highlighted topical pages. In addition to coverage of the war years, Lee and Grant also briefly discuss their postwar lives. Common themes and repeated information tie these series titles together and reinforce basic facts about the era. Excellent color and black-and-white illustrations, maps, and photographs are found throughout each volume. Although there are no textual citations, each book includes lists of suggested readings and Web sites for additional information.-Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.