Bibliographic Information:
Freedman, R. (1987). Lincoln: A Photobiography. New York: Clarion Books. Photobiography. Ages 10-12.
Response:
When I first saw that this was the assigned book for my group, I was not very enthused to read it. I’m not going to lie, I was not at all interested in learning more about Abraham Lincoln that I already have throughout my education. I personally just never enjoyed US history and simply just learned the exact facts I needed to know to get by. Once I began this photobiography, it actually was not what I dreaded it to be. I learned so much about Lincoln’s life, and I definitely think this book will put him in a different perspective for people and kids when they first learn about him.
When I was younger, books and even teachers always portrayed Lincoln as bad. He had his own slaves, and of course, slavery is bad. Slavery itself made one of our US presidents look as a terrible person because we learned about him in modern time where it is illegal and just wrong all together. One thing I took away from this book is that he wasn’t even for slavery to begin with, and I think that just puts him in a better light.
Other than learning all this additional information about Lincoln growing up, the struggles he overcame throughout it, and his assassination, what I thought was very cool was the fact that this was a photobiography. I liked being able to look at all the pictures and make connections with the text rather than not knowing if what I’m imagining in my head is what’s really going on. I’ve definitely looked at various pictures books growing up but never was it a book with real information other than a boring textbook.
Critique:
The book, Lincoln: A Photobigraphy is told by the author Russell Freedman himself in third person. Written in the style of a photobiography, this book takes place throughout all of Lincoln’s life. It begins from him being a little boy, to when he was president, to being assassinated in the 1800s. I would say the plot of this book occurred during the time of him being elected as president and dealing with slavery. As far as the theme, I was just say it’s life. I know that’s very broad, but it’s all the things a person will go through in life such as the struggles and hardships.
Lesson:
The lesson of this story is just the background of an important man in our US history. He was a US president and learning about them is essential in a student’s education. He was the man who abolished slavery with Emancipation Proclamation and that was a big point in history. Another universal lesson is just always to keep your strength throughout any hardships.
Discussion Questions:
- What is some completely new that you learned about Abraham Lincoln?
- What do you think Lincoln’s hardest obstacle in his life was?
Activity:
Students will find a picture of Abraham Lincoln in the book that they like the most and though given the text of what is happening, they will write a paragraph of the emotions and feelings Lincoln is experiencing.
Other Resources:
http://edhelper.com/books/Lincoln_A_Photobiography.htm
http://www.colchesterct.org/uploaded/Curriculum/Lincoln_lesson_from_Nancy_Boyles.pdf
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