Candace Fleming’s book The Lincolns: a scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary will keep you reading far into the night. The book covers their childhood and their tumultuous courtship, the loss of their three children, the issue of slavery, the civil war, and their own tragic deaths.
Before reading The Lincolns, I didn’t have a very high opinion of Mary Todd. I was led to believe she was vain, a tyrant, and a social climber. Though those accusations are true, there was another side to Mary I did not know. She was well-educated. Oftentimes, Mary was the most educated and articulate person in the room! Of course, being an educated woman in the 1850’s was looked very highly upon by most men. In fact, meant most men she meant after becoming Mrs. Lincoln were appalled by her knowledge of current events. Yet, Mr. Lincoln, as she referred to him in public, adored her. It is true that towards the end of her life, Mary did seem a bit crazy, but so would you be if three of your four children died and you witnessed your husband’s assassination.
The book’s design is unusual but works very well here. It resembles a scrapbook that is chock full of maps, engravings, and photos, some by Matthew Brady. Fleming also includes the recipe for Lincoln’s favorite white cake!
Another great book for younger children, illustrated by New Yorker artist Maira Kalman is Looking at Lincoln.Using simple, yet direct language the book's narrator, after seeing a man dressed similar to Lincoln while walking through a New York City park, goes to the library to learn more about this remarkable man.Come to the Library for other great books on Lincoln.
