Here is my Response on the book: Lincoln a photobiography by Russell Freedman. 
Source & Background:
Genre: Informational text. Children’s/Youth Non-fiction, biography with illustrations describing the life of Abraham Lincoln (America’s 16th president).
Suggest grade level would include (yet not be limited to) 3rd grade through middle school. (This would also depend on the readers complexity level.)
Thoughts & Reflections
This was actually a great, informational book that discusses a well known, famous, historical figure. Even though the book was fairly easy to read (for someone my age), it held my interest because the words, sentences and chapters flowed so smoothly. The illustrations of this book helped create a connection to the reader and paint the picture imagined. I can see why this book won a Newbery award in 1988. Even though it may be a little outdated, I would suggest this book or perhaps use it in my own classroom for a lesson. Students can use this book to understand more about the wars during that time, or learn more about slavery and that history. The thing that I really liked about this book was that it captured images and provided portions of Lincoln’s speeches or famous quotes. This would be a great way to have students create a historical timeline of that period or research more about one of America’s presidents. I like how every chapter there is a quote said by Abraham Lincoln. For example, “If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act.” That could be a clue as to what students are going to be learning about. Why did he say this, and what act is he talking about? The answer, creating and signing his full name on the emancipation pronunciation document because he never signed his full name prior to that. Students could continue learning about how he played a dramatic role in freeing the black slaves.
Critique
This was a great, informational biography to read about Abraham Lincoln. The plot was perfect. It took you to where Abraham Lincoln was born and followed around with him until he later passed in 1865. It was believable and accurately displayed the information. The reader was kept up to date throughout all the locations he traveled. With the details and flow of the writing, it was easy to paint a picture and be present during those years. The setting takes place on the same day Abraham Lincoln was born (February 12, 1809) in Hodgenville, Kentucky. The theme includes American History, The Civil War, Presidency and Historical Figures. This book provides facts about Lincoln’s life struggles and successes. It was a well written biography that captured the success of America’s 16th president. It definitely deserved a Newbery Award, and I believe students would be interested to read it.
Lesson Ideas
Objective:
I like the idea of student’s recreating a story or in person. It helps them understand more of the details they may have not payed particular attention too and it grasps students attention in a different way. I think a good idea would be to have maybe 6th grade students act out a scene or particular theme within the book.
Here is an example of a video students created based on the book. http://youtu.be/1_uKfK_btns. Students could pick a certain portion of the book to create a video that represents their portion of the book. Students can be creative and have fun with it while learning and acting out historical periods and past events. Students in this video portrayed when Lincoln was assassinated, but they could also portray The Battles of Bull Run or The Gettysburg, or even famous speeches spoken by Lincoln. Teachers can be very creative with this book.
The objective would be similar to something like this: Using the book Lincoln a photobiography by Russell Freedman, the student will be able to describe a specific event within historical time period, or a personal moment of president Lincoln’s that that has helped shape the future of our history in America.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.2 Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.3 Identify key steps in a text’s description of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered).
Discussion questions could include:
1) What tragic events occurred while president Lincoln was in office?
2) What type of preparation did Lincoln go through to achieve his presidency?
3) How has America’s 16th president been a historical figure to remember and praise. How has this president forever changed the history of America?
Or another activity could be to have students write an essay comparing the differences between the biographies written. This would be a good example to show students in the comparison of authors and factual data. The standard for that would include but not be limited to:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.9 Compare and contrast one author’s presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a memoir written by and a biography on the same person).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.
There are many other standards that could also relevant. There are also other topics that could be discussed from this book. Students could learn more about other subjects including: the personal life of Abe Lincoln, the Gettysburg address, the emancipation proclamation, or Lincoln’s second inaugural address. What is should have said is, here are a million and one ways to use this book! Possibilities are endless!
Want to learn more about Lincoln? Here is a biography of Abraham Lincoln (not specifically related to the book). History Channel Documentary Biography of Abraham Lincoln: http://youtu.be/FuxO4OO0O-k
Here is a link to another blog that has been written by a mother’s child read the book. http://michelledicken.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/lincoln-a-photobiography-by-russell-freedman-julias-reading-project/ which I thought was interesting.
Here is a link to an interview with Russell Freedman discussing a passage from the book.
JCarmell's blog 