Product Description

Abraham Lincoln tells the exciting story of the life of the sixteenth president of the United States using his own writing and speeches. Children will hear Lincoln's story as if they were really there.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #344958 in Books
• Published on: 2001-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780439095549
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 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 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Reviewed with Sullivan's Helen Keller.

Gr. 3-5. In Their Own Words biographies focus on famous people who left a record of their own lives. Beginning with an explanation of the difference between primary and secondary sources, Sullivan seamlessly interweaves information about his subjects with excerpts from primary sources. In the case of Helen Keller, Sullivan uses her autobiographical works; for Lincoln, he draws on speeches and letters. Both Keller and Lincoln have been covered in numerous biographies for young people (Sullivan's own Picturing Lincoln was published last fall), but these volumes are still worthwhile. The short chapters, large print, simple vocabulary, straightforward narrative, and attractive illustrations, as well as the addition of the subjects' own words, make them fine choices for early-grade biographies. They fit nicely between David Adler's Picture Book Biography series books and more challenging volumes such as Russell Freedman's classic Lincoln: A Photobiography (1987). Catherine Andronik
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Perfect blend of historical and contemporary
"More books have been written about Lincoln than any other American," says Sullivan in his biography of our sixteenth President. Not all of them are well done - but this one is excellent and deserves a place on the shelf next to Freedman's Caldecott award-wining Lincoln: A Photobiography (Houghton Mifflin, 1987). Sullivan defines primary and secondary sources, then describes the life and times of Lincoln with a liberal sprinkling of quotes from the President and those who knew him. Excerpts from Lincoln's speeches, letters, and other writings are included, explained, and set into context. The Gettysburg address is reproduced in its brief but effective entirety. The book also gives relates the major events of the Civil War.
The writing is simple and uncluttered, and the oversized text and well-spaced lines make for easy reading. Photos and illustrations add to the narrative without distracting. Chapters are tight and concise, and the design (a mix of contemporary borders with Lincoln's handwriting gracing new chapters) is the perfect blend of old and new.
The book meets the usual 100 page requirement for biographies for middle school reports; teachers who may be turned off by the large print and compact size will appreciate the attention to detail as well as the scholarly chronology, bibliography, further reading, photo credits, and index. Pair this fine example of citing sources, acknowledging other points of view and relaying research from primary sources with Holzer's Abraham Lincoln the Writer (Boyds Mill Press 2000).

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BIOGRAPHY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
I must agree with another reviewer who stated that this is probabl one of the best biographies of Abraham Lincoln for young people available today. This one has indeed been out for a while but it is certainly none the worse for wear. The book is very well researched, the text is easy to follow and the author's contunual use of direct quotes makes the reader feel apart of the story. I truely feel that the understanding of the great men and women of our past goes along way in developing good, solid and useful adults when studied by the young. Books such as this go along way in making that happen. Of the several biographies written for this age group addressing Lincoln, this is by far the best. I highly recommend this one.