Abraham Lincoln

Children's Literature

Abraham Lincoln, with his face on the penny and the five-dollar bill and his story told in more books than any other American, made history in a dramatic and unforgettable way. His speeches are memorized and his quiet strength and impeccable honesty are identified to children as values to which they should aspire. Lincoln, our sixteenth president, touched lives because he was a common man who worked hard his entire life and achieved greatness because of his work ethic and belief in himself. This book tells his story in an interesting and concise manner that is sure to draw the attention of any young reader. The text is easy to read and the sketches of Lincoln throughout bring the man to life. A chronology of Lincoln's life and a biography, as well as a list of suggested further reading are found at the end of the book. It is part of Scholastic's "In Their Own Words" series. 2000, Scholastic, $12.95 and $4.50. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Andrea Sears Andrews

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These biographies don't quite live up to their billing. At the beginning of each volume, the author discusses the differences between primary and secondary sources and the importance of using primary sources whenever possible. These introductions and the series title imply that the books rely heavily on the actual written and spoken words of the subject. Instead, what readers will find are perhaps a few more quotes than are common in biographies for young people, but the approach is not shatteringly different. The question, however, is whether this matters. These may not be unique biographies, but they are still well written, fast moving, and highly readable, squeezed into a small format that should appeal to many students. Both books feature black-and-white photos and reproductions, a useful index, a short bibliography of primary and secondary sources, and a short list of further readings, along with places to contact for further information. Certainly much has been written about these two figures and many libraries will find their shelves already well stocked. Those needing more materials, however, will find these to be solid choices.-Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.