by Jim Aylesworth, illus. by Barbara McClintock

Beginning with "Babe Abe Lincoln was born in the wilderness" to "Strong Abe Lincoln fell oaks with a mighty ax" to "Great Abe Lincoln died hard for his noble deeds"--here is a perfect book for Lincoln's birthday that tells the story of Lincoln to the very youngest audience.

Barbara McClintock's charming 19th century-styled drawings depict children in a school play, acting out Lincoln's life. With art reminiscent of Maurice Sendak, and as a three-time New York Times Best Illustrator, McClintock is sure to garner awards and recognition. And Jim Aylesworth's ear for rhythms and rhymes will have everyone singing OUT LOUD!

A Savage Thunder: Antietam and the Bloody Road to Freedom

by Jim Murphy

examines this battle’s role as a turning point in the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln

by David Colbert

Part of the 10 Days series, this is a biography of Lincoln that focuses on 10 critical days spread throughout his life.

Who Was Abraham Lincoln?

by Janet Pascal, illus. by John O’Brien,

is a nonfiction biography in the Who Was... series that includes black & white illustrations and maps.

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.

by Thomas B ALLEN

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.

Lincoln Shot: A President's Life Remembered.

by Barry Denenberg, illus. by Christopher Bing.

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.

Abe Lincoln: Log Cabin to White House

by Sterling North 

Gr 4-8–A terrific and timeless read-aloud that was originally published in 1956. North weaves together the events of his subject’s life in a storyteller’s voice, providing descriptive context interspersed with quotes from Lincoln and his contemporaries.

Abraham Lincoln: America’s 16th President

by Steven Otfinoski 

Gr 5-8-Frequent subheads, wide-spaced type, period images, and interesting insets balance the density of the material included. Well-paced and informative, the text also addresses the impact of Lincoln’s death on the country and his family. Otfinoski does not shy away from the complexity of his subject, but presents details in manageable bites, concluding with a list of fast facts and a time line.

BRENNER, Martha. Abe Lincoln’s Hat. illus. by Donald Cook. Random. 1994. PLB $11.99. ISBN 978-0-679-94977-0; pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-679-84977-3.
Gr 1-3-Taking a lighthearted look at a somewhat disorganized man, Brenner describes the supplementary function of Lincoln’s hat as a receptacle for important papers. Lincoln’s life as a lawyer, traveling the circuit and solving cases, is also presented. These stories humanize the legend, showing off his good humor in a manner that Lincoln himself might have appreciated.

COHN, Amy L. & Suzy Schmidt. Abraham Lincoln. illus. by David A. Johnson. Scholastic. 2002. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-590-93566-1.
Gr 2-4–In this tall book about a tall man, the verse reflects the twang of Lincoln’s Kentucky accent while watercolor images characterize his evolution from country boy to president. The story is more of an outline, with images sharing equal weight on facing pages, to deliver the sense of the individual, a giant among men, as seen in the closing image of the memorial built to honor him in Washington, DC.

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale (Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend)

 by Deborah Hopkinson, illus. by John Hendrix

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).

Gettysburg: The Graphic Novel by C.M. Butzer focuses on the events of the Civil War as well as one of Lincoln’s most famous speeches, The Gettysburg Address, using primary sources for the text. Collins, $16.99, paper $9.99, ages 9-14, ISBN 978-0-06-156176-4; -156175-7; Dec. ’08

Designed as a period newspaper, Lincoln Shot: A President’s Life Remembered by Barry Denenberg, illus. by Christopher Bing, commemorates the 16th President, from his Kentucky upbringing through his assassination. Feiwel and Friends, $24.95, ages 9-up, ISBN 978-0-312-37013-8; Sept. ’ 08

SLAVICEK, Louise Chipley. Abraham Lincoln. (Great American Presidents Series). Chelsea House. 2004. PLB $ 30. 978-0-7910-7605-7.
Gr 6-9-The primary focus is on Lincoln’s presidency and the Civil War. Discussion of the escalating hostilities between the North and the South suggests the causes of the war and Lincoln’s challenge to consider the law and his own moral outlook. Photo captions, sidebars, and maps provide a general overview while the text delivers more specifics.

STONE, Tanya Lee. Abraham Lincoln: A Photographic Story of a Life. DK. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-0833-0; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0-7566-0834-7.
Gr 5-9-With a focus on Lincoln’s work as president, Stone notes that even primary sources can be biased. Boxed insets offer short bios, explain some of the politics of the time, and give additional facts about Lincoln’s presidency, such as the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. A rich resource despite its small size.

Lincoln Through the Lens: How Photography Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Life by Martin W. Sandler is a photo-essay featuring more than 100 images of Lincoln and his era. Walker & Co., $19.99, ages 10-14, ISBN 978-0-8027-9666-0; Oct. ’08

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.

COLLIER, James Lincoln. The Abraham Lincoln You Never Knew. illus. by Greg Copeland. Children’s Press. 2003. PLB $25.50. ISBN 978-0-516-24348-1; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-516-25835-5.

Gr 3-6-Collier humanizes Lincoln by presenting specific information about the difficult life he endured. He explains how pioneer families had only fire as a source of heat and were required to grow or hunt all their food; everyone had to work. Although he covers the most familiar elements of Lincoln’s story, the author’s use of specific details to fill in the facts provides a fresh perspective.

HARNESS, Cheryl. Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington 1837-1865. illus. by author. National Geographic. 1997. Tr $18. ISBN 978-0-7922-3736-5; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-6906-9.
Gr 3-6-The rich illustrated format, including full-page paintings and detailed maps, allows Harness to depict Lincoln’s personal and political life with surprising detail despite the brevity of this book. Her scholarship is obvious, especially in the colorful images that feature Tad and Willie Lincoln’s White House adventures. The intimacy of the paintings humanizes the legend of Lincoln.

HARNESS, Cheryl. Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days, 1809-1837. illus. by author. National Geographic. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-2713-7; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-6904-5.
Gr 3-5-Opening with the image of a snowbound log cabin, detailed watercolors suggest the environment and family dynamics of Lincoln’s childhood. Harness presents actions and dialogue that might have occurred while following the familiar story line of events, rendering the difficulty of pioneer life in words and pictures. She shows Lincoln off as smart, studious, ambitious, and honest, setting the stage for his future careers.

AXELROD, Alan. Lincoln’s Last Night: Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, and the Last Thirty-Six Hours Before the Assassination. Penguin. 2005. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-59609-016-3.
Gr 8 Up-While bordering on the sensational, Axelrod’s description of Lincoln’s last day and Booth’s developing plot offers carefully researched facts and theories. With an investigative approach that details the events, conversations, and busyness of Lincoln’s final hours, drama is achieved despite the familiar climax. A portfolio of reproductions, including news clippings and a Confederate five dollar bill from Lincoln’s wallet, adds interest.

DONALD, David Herbert. Lincoln Reconsidered: Essays on the Civil War Era. 3rd ed. Knopf. 2001. pap. $13. ISBN 978-0-375-72532-6.
Gr 10 Up-This collection of essays written in the mid-20th century and first published in 1956 reexamines the lore surrounding Lincoln. The large cast may challenge students to remember who’s who, but the tone and scholarship of these selections will enlighten serious students. Donald questions the myths and “reconsiders” the evidence to present new premises. This critical examination is a great enticement for the skeptical.

by Jen Bryant, illus. by Amy June Bates

Here is the perfect book for celebrating Lincoln’s 200th birthday—and a unique way to illuminate our 16th president for today’s young readers. Based on an actual incident that occurred when Lincoln was just a boy, it shows that he, like so many children, wished he were taller (and it came true!); that he had a mischievous streak; that he loved words; and—most important—that even as a small child he puzzled deeply over the concept of freedom. Amy June Bates’s superb illustrations capture young Abe’s personality, the warmth of his home life, and the enduring power of his one-time chance meeting with a soldier from the War of 1812.

Adapted from the author’s bestselling adult book, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer, James L. Swanson’s Chasing Lincoln’s Killer follows the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth. Scholastic Press, $16.99, ages 12-up, ISBN 978-0-43-990354-7; Feb.

The picture book Abe Lincoln Loved Animals by Ellen Jackson, illus. by Doris Ettlinger, explores Lincoln’s compassion for the animal kingdom, based on accounts from Lincoln’s family and friends. Albert Whitman, $16.95, ages 4-8, ISBN 978-0-8075-0123-8; Sept. ’08

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.

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.

HOLZER, Harold, ed. Lincoln As I Knew Him: Gossip, Tributes & Revelations from His Best Friends and Worst Enemies. Algonquin. 1999. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56512-166-9.
Gr 7 Up-This scholar attempts to present an honest portrait of the 16th president by assembling the comments of Lincoln’s contemporaries. From disparaging to admiring, the comments of family members, friends, and acquaintances–professional and personal–provide insight beyond the usual laudatory descriptions. The candid quality of this assemblage results in a useful source for unusual insights.

MARRIN, Albert. Commander in Chief: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Dutton. 1997. Tr $25. ISBN 978-0-525-45822-7; pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47069-4.
Gr 8 Up-Facts and details add color and context to this biography. Specific descriptions of the Civil War reveal Lincoln’s angst, and the prologue explains the cost of the war in lives and dollars. The success of Whitney’s cotton gin and a definition of racism are presented as economic and political reasons for the continuation of slavery. Addressing the “whys” allows students to understand the story more broadly. Audio version available from Recorded Books.

KRENSKY, Stephen. Abe Lincoln and the Muddy Pig. illus. by Gershom Griffith. Aladdin. 2002. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-689-84103-3.
K-Gr3-This easy reader with expressive color drawings tells how Lincoln, on his way to make a speech and dressed in his first new suit, stopped to help an animal in distress even though it meant getting dirty. Although the young Lincoln is nervous about his rumpled appearance, he realizes people care more about what he says than how he looks.

ST. GEORGE, Judith. Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln. illus. by Matt Faulkner. Philomel. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24174-1.
Gr 1-4-St. George conveys a sense of her subject’s formative years by relating important events and salient details that led him to become the man he was. Her conversational, child-friendly narrative touches on Lincoln’s quick wit and love of learning, instilled by his mother; his unspeakable sorrow at her death; and the “pinching times” before the arrival of his kind, book-toting stepmother. Faulkner’s lively watercolors are full of energy, motion, and feeling, capturing the drama, humor, and pathos of the text.

TURNER, Ann Warren. Abe Lincoln Remembers. illus. by Wendell Minor. HarperCollins. 2001. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-027577-8; PLB $15.89. ISBN 978-0-06-027578-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-06-051107-4.
K-Gr 3-Described by the author as a fictional biography, this is a first-person overview of Lincoln’s life in somber verse. Full-page paintings with bold color take Lincoln from log cabin to the White House. The story ends with the war won and Lincoln and Mary ready to go to the theater, and a note describes what happened that night.

Written and illustrated by Neil Waldman

Uses primary resources as it takes readers up and down the Mississippi River with the future President, as he contemplates the abolition of slavery.

Tad and Willie also give their unique perspective of their father’s life—his decision to run for President, life in the White House and his struggles during the Civil War—in Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells, illus. by P.J. Lynch. Candlewick, $16.99, ages 8-12, ISBN 978-0-7636-3723-1; Jan.

Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship by Nikki Giovanni, illus. by Bryan Collier, reunites the team behind Rosa for this picture book about Lincoln’s relationship and work with abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Henry Holt, $16.95, ages 6-up, ISBN 978-0-8050-8264-7; Sept. ’08

Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker: The Unlikely Friendship of Elizabeth Keckley and Mary Todd Lincoln by Lynda Jones tells of the relationship between a former slave and the former First Lady. National Geographic, $18.95, ages 10-up, ISBN 978-1-4263-0377-7; Jan.

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.

VAN STEENWYK, Elizabeth. When Abraham Talked to the Trees. illus. by Bill Farnsworth. Eerdmans. 2004. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-8028-5191-8; pap. $8. ISBN 978-0-8028-5233-5.
Gr 2-4-Light-dappled paintings of Lincoln’s boyhood in Indiana accompany an inspiring portrayal of his growing ambitions where “reading took last place in his day, but it was always first place in his heart.” Images of a homesteader’s hard life follow Lincoln’s progress as he perfects his skills as an orator and realizes that people, not just trees, might one day listen to his words.

WINNICK, Karen B. Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers. Boyds Mills. 1996. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56397-485-4; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-1-56397-805-0.
Gr 1-4–Using an edited text of the actual letter Grace Bedell wrote to Lincoln and the soon-to-be president’s response, Winnick characterizes the 11-year-old girl whose suggestion caused Lincoln to grow a beard. Folk-style oil paintings fill the pages; one conveys the thought that moon shadows on Lincoln’s picture inspired the girl’s idea as she imagined whiskers would make him look less sad.

 by Doreen Rappaport, illus. by Kadir Nelson

A picture book account of Lincoln’s life as he grew into the president who would guide America through the Civil War and abolish slavery.

Young Abe Lincoln: Frontier Days 1809–1837 by Cheryl Harness is a picture book account of Lincoln’s younger days, including his election to the Illinois General Assembly and his law practice. National Geographic, paper $7.95, ages 8-12, ISBN 978-0-7922-6904-5; Dec. ’08

And Harness’s Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington covers Lincoln’s later years, through his rise to the Presidency and handling of the Civil War. National Geographic, paper $7.95, ages 8-12, ISBN 978-1-4263-0436-1; Dec. ’08

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.

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.

WINTERS, Kay. Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. S & S. 2003. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-689-82554-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-1268-2.
PreS-Gr 2-Primitive-style oil paintings are the background for the free-verse descriptions of Lincoln that emphasize his love of books and learning. Loosely based on fact, this heartwarming view focuses on his childhood, revealing the hard lot of pioneers. The book concludes with his election; Lincoln’s role as president is not discussed, and the Civil War is omitted except for a note that addresses these details.

BIAL, Raymond. Where Lincoln Walked. Walker. 1998. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8027-8630-2; RTE $17.85. ISBN 978-0-8027-8631-9.
Gr 4-8-With vivid color photographs that chronicle the places in Lincoln’s life, including his family home and Springfield law office, this photo-essay brings history alive. Bial uses both text and captions to render his subject, deftly linking the past and the present while inspiring readers to learn and see more. Lists of places to visit and carefully selected books for further reading are included.

by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer

 illus. by Stacy Innerst

Highlights the former President’s sense of humor, even in trying times.

BLASHFIELD, Jean F. Abraham Lincoln. (Profiles of the Presidents Series). Compass Point. 2002. PLB $23.93. ISBN 978-0-7565-0202-7.
Gr 2-5-After opening with an image of the funeral train and a poem written following Lincoln’s assassination, Blashfield returns to the beginning of Lincoln’s story. Highlights from his life provide an overview of significant events and establish his importance in history. A time line chronicling the decades of Lincoln’s life and juxtaposed with world events is worth noting.

FREEDMAN, Russell. Lincoln: A Photobiography. Clarion. 1987. RTE $20. ISBN 978-0-89919-380-9; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-0-395-51848-9.
Gr 6 Up-Freedman’s voice brings Lincoln to life, making this biography an accessible and fascinating read. Enhanced by numerous historical images and written documents, the focus is on the presidency, events leading up to it, and Lincoln’s struggle to hold the country together. Balance, precision, and scholarship characterize this Newbery award-winning book.

HAUGEN, Brenda. Abraham Lincoln: Great American President. (Signature Lives Series). Compass Point. 2006. PLB $30.60. ISBN 978-0-7565-0986-6; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7565-1850-9.
Gr 4-7-Opening with the Emancipation Proclamation, Haugen sets the stage for Lincoln’s significance in American history. Photos, maps, and period illustrations illuminate this broad overview of a complicated man, and a time line sets the story in relation to world events.

by Sarah L. Thomson, illus. by James E. Ransome

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.

by Robert Burleigh, illus. by Wendell Minor,

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.

HERBERT, Janis. Abraham Lincoln for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities. Chicago Review. 2007. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-1-55652-656-5.
Gr 4-8-In addition to activities like making a stovepipe hat, a log cabin, or a freedom quilt, Herbert includes stories of the playful father and storyteller who shook every hand and opened White House doors to all–as well as the Lincoln who suffered throughout the Civil War and worked tirelessly to preserve the Union. This detailed and personal view focuses on Lincoln’s humanity and his accomplishments.

KOPS, Deborah. Abraham Lincoln. Gale/Blackbirch. 2001. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-56711-535-2.
Gr 5-8-Through a preface describing the differences between the North and South, Kops introduces Lincoln. The first chapter encompasses Lincoln’s early years, and the author then moves to Lincoln’s rise to the presidency. Detailed descriptions of key figures, policies, and the challenges of leading the country through the Civil War are offset by frequent subheads, photos, maps, and insets.