Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship in Mock Newbery 2026

Oct 10, 2012 Wendy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012-award-possibilities

A compelling book; a quick and fast-moving read. It didn't have much in the way of new information for me, and perhaps for many readers--even children--but the analysis, the setup, is worthwhile all the same. Freedman may not be the trendiest of nonfiction writers out there right now, but for my money he's still one of the best. This book (and his other books, those I've read) has none of the pandering, condescension, insupportable speculation, or clumsy attempts at "child appeal" that mark most ...more

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May 09, 2012 Barbara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ncbla2013, social-studies, word-lovers, biography, war, civil-rights

Russell Freedman somehow always brings history and historical figures to life in a way that makes readers even more curious about them, and that's exactly what he has done in this book for young readers. Although they met only three times, abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass and Lincoln, the author of the Emancipation Proclamation and president during the Civil War, bonded over shared interests and concerns. Prior to their initial meeting, Douglass had been highly critical of the pr ...more

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Aug 31, 2012 Samantha rated it liked it

Shelves: juv-nonfiction, civil-war, abraham-lincoln, frederick-douglass

Not exactly the story I was expecting, though I am not a Douglass nor a Lincoln buff so I really didn't know the depth of the friendship shared between these two historical figures. The book gives a brief bio on both men and a summary of the major events of the Civil War. Many black and white pictures support text, mostly illustrations, though a few photos are also included.

Lincoln was just an all around wonderful human being and his presence in history makes for a great read. Recommended for g ...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Ellie rated it really liked it

Shelves: boys, girls, historical, race-relations, nonfiction, civil-war, middle-grade, slavery

Russell Freedman does it again! Great research and storytelling of this little-known friendship. Adults' interest in Abraham Lincoln (especially this year with Steven Spielberg's Lincoln coming out) will rub off on kids, who are generally pretty interested in Abraham Lincoln anyway, and kids will really enjoy this true story. 5th-9th grade. ...more

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