Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Family movie night? There's an app for that

Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.

Get the app
Parents' Guide to

Lincoln: A Photobiography

By Whitney Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Illustrates Lincoln's depth as a man and a leader.

Book Russell Freedman Biography 1972
Lincoln: A Photobiography Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Alidavis
Alidavis Adult
January 7, 2019
age 10+

Excellent book

We used this for a book report and I read it with my son. We both really liked it and learned alot about Lincoln.
BlueJade
BlueJade Parent of 10-year-old
November 17, 2009
age 8+

Wonderful Lincoln biography for children with photographs

Abraham Lincoln fascinates many Americans. This book is filled with photographs that help tell about Lincoln's life. Freedman is a good writer as well having a good eye to know which photographs to use. Photography, particular news photography, was a new medium during the Civil War so these images are some of the first of that show what war was like in the United States. Biographies have come a long way and Freedman's book is one of the best to show what a great biography for kids can be. The Common Sense reviewer thinks this book is for 11 and above but many kids are going to learn about Lincoln much earlier in school. Some of the text may be a little difficult for 8+, but they will certainly learn a lot from, and connect with, the photographs.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

From beginning to end, Abraham Lincoln's life was full of grit, drama and glory. From his hardscrabble beginnings though perhaps the most heartrending trauma this country has ever known, Freedman shows the real Lincoln, public and private. Seeing Lincoln at home and in his private moments, readers will understand his depth as a man and as a leader.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (4 ):

Russell Freedman deftly digs through layers of hero worship and reveals the unpolished, moody, intelligent, and tenderhearted man who was one of America's most important presidents. Freedman understands child readers as well as he understands history and writing. Although he covers hefty political and social material, he does not mire himself in detail. He knows when to add an explanation and when to keep his sentences short and to the point.

The issues surrounding slavery in 19th-century America are not always fully explained in children's literature. Young readers often understand only that people were for or against it. Freedman accurately portrays the thorny problems that challenged Abraham Lincoln and the country in the mid-1800s. Children who read this book will gain an understanding of some of the personal, economic, and political ramifications of slavery and liberty. In the final chapter, Lincoln's assassination is described vividly but without exaggeration. Details of the final acts of Lincoln's life and of his burial are quietly moving.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Lincoln and his accomplishments. What do you think of the changes Lincoln brought about in America? Does this book help you better understand the issues he faced as president?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate