What Textbooks Left Out

In confessing to how boring they can be, former textbook writer Steve Sheinkin uses real-life accounts and quotes to write an attention-holding and readable account of the Civil War, with focus on Presidents James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln. His book further shares a review of what happened to the key players after the war, interesting source notes, resources for further study, an end list of all quotes in the book and their sources, and an exhaustive index.

Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the Civil War

by Steve Sheinkin

Illustrated by Tim Robinson

2008, Roaring Brook Press

264 pages, recommended for ages 9 to 12

ISBN 9781596433205 $19.95

ComicsDC: Arlington County's Central Library has a stand-alone graphic novel section now

ComicsDC: Arlington County's Central Library has a stand-alone graphic novel section now

Lincoln and Douglass

Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship

by Nikki Giovanni

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

2008, Henry Holt

40 pages, recommended for ages 9 to 12

ISBN 9780805082647 $16.95

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery, and then escaped in 1838. His work as an abolitionist brought him into contact with President Abraham Lincoln. This book is about the strong friendship that developed between two national leaders committed to the common goal of ending slavery in the United States.

Lincoln Through the Lens

Lincoln Through the Lens: How Photography Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Life
by Martin W. Sandler
2008, Walker Books for Young Readers
96 pages; recommended for ages 9 to 12
ISBN 9780802796660 $19.99

History professor and award-winning writer Martin Sandler documents more than 100 photographs of Abraham Lincoln's life and times. Included in this collection is the only known pre-Gettysburg Address photograph of the sixteenth President.

Lincoln for Kids and Teens

February 12 marked the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, and in preparation for this celebratory year, several new books have been written for children and teens about our 16th President. We'll review them on LitLinx one-by-one, beginning today with one of my favorites.

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary

By Candace Fleming

2008, Schwartz & Wade

200 pages; Recommended for ages 10 to 14

ISBN 9780375836183 $24.99

An in-depth and personal review of the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, this book includes photographs, copies of documents, and highlights about the people important in Lincoln's life and times. The author spent five years researching, and it is evident in the quality and thoroughness of the finished work. Unique to this book is the new insight into Mary Lincoln's life provided by her recently recovered personal letters.