With a somewhat stilted text geared toward newly independent readers, this book offers an introductory biographical sketch of Abraham Lincoln. Text boxes provide additional related information. Archival photographs and reproductions are combined with undistinguished illustrations. Glos., ind.

Gr 2-4-This book explores Lincoln's boyhood, middle years, and presidency. To the authors' credit, the text is readable and fact-laden. However, there is a tendency in the section on Lincoln's childhood to promulgate overstated myths. Is it necessary to state that "Abe would gladly walk 50 miles to borrow a new book" to get across the idea that he was a reader? Children, even the youngest readers, should not be subjected to florid writing when facts stated simply will do. The writing improves as it moves along in history, perhaps because the authors had more definitive information with which to work. The illustrations are well done in both content and placement. The maps, photographs, and drawings, in black and white and in color, extend the text and will satisfy the natural curiosity of young readers.-Barbara Buckley, Rockville Centre Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.