The Lincolns:
a scrapbook look at Abraham and Eleanor
written by Candace Fleming
publication date, October 14, 2008

From Horn Book, November-December 2008:

Fleming has already applied her scrapbook approach to biographies of Benjamin Franklin (Ben Franklin’s Almanac, rev. 9/03) and Eleanor Roosevelt (Our Eleanor, rev. 11/05); now she turns her attention to Abraham and Mary Lincoln. There are several clear advantages to this thematic, nonlinear treatment: the book is chock full of reproductions of primary sources, both textual and visual; it features an abundant supply of the sort of interesting anecdotes that are not so easily shoehorned into a more straightforward narrative; and it is equally inviting as reference material, casual browsing, or pleasure reading. Moreover, the dual biography is an inspired choice here. By giving Mary’s often neglected story equal weight, Fleming is able to compare and contrast the president with his first lady, giving us not only greater insight into each of them but also a fuller picture of the world in which they lived. “They were like two pine trees that had grown so close their roots were forever intertwined.” They are also forever intertwined with the American story, a connection this excellent biography will reinforce for young readers. Notes, sources, timeline, and index are appended. j.h.