The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Graphic Library: Graphic History

by Kay Melchisedech Olson, Kay Melchisedech Olson

Tells the story of Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the escape and death of his assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Written in graphic-novel format.

Genres: History, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Kay Melchisedech Olson is a writer and editor known for her nonfiction children's books on history, culture, and geography. She has served as editorial director at Capstone Press and authored numerous works, including Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish Immigrants, 1820-1920 and The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Many of her books are part of educational series, providing accessible historical narratives. Olson has also contributed to graphic history books like The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, making history engaging for young readers. Her works have been translated into Spanish.

Reviews

[Andrea M]

This is a short version recounting the murder of Abraham Lincoln and the capture of John Wilkes Booth's accomplice. John was shot. I read the story to my seven year old and he enjoyed it. It wasn't too graphic even though it is a graphic novel. It was sad to think that a man kicked Mary out of the room and wouldn't let her back in. It didn't give her much of a voice. I think Lincoln lingered on so long because there was still so much to do and he didn't want to go. Lincoln is an inspiration for his great desire to serve the United States and the way that he tried to work with people from both sides of the conflict.

[Andrew]

In this Graphic Novel for kids, the author/illustrator are respectful of the situation, though there are no holds barred. Its not to say that the imagery isn't graphic (bloody, etc.) but it does create a sense of fear and worry, but the word bubble plot snippets are very well written for a juvenile Graphic novel. This resource, about a very sad and unfortunate time in U.S. history, is a great one for reluctant readers or to give kids a better idea of what "assassination" means, or to show a visual aid of Lincoln's end.
Why I picked this one? I was honestly curious to see how the book would convey such a sad, violent event to kids, but it does it well: mostly clean, and very respectfully, but very honestly.

[Keri Rohr]

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln is a biography for grades 3-5. I like how this book is about a specific time in Lincoln’s life, not a bee if summary of his presidency. I thought that this book being in comic book form was really neat and made the story more interesting.

[David Haggett]

Though I wasn't impressed by the artwork of the graphic novel, I applaud the concept of using a graphic novel to make history accessible to readers of all ages. Also, learned the fascinating fact that John Wilkes Booth can be seen in attendance at Lincoln's second inauguration....

[Katy Lovejoy]

This seems like a ridiculous historical thing to make into a graphic novel

[Steph]

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, in graphic format, uses bold illustrations and easy to read speech bubbles to describe President Lincoln’s last hours. It will interest all levels of reader age nine and higher. The four chapters are titled with the logical progression of events which make it easier for the reader to comprehend. In addition to speech bubbles, there are also text boxes that provide narration and give factual details. The speech bubbles can be read alone or together with the text boxes. Both use black font on white background, so they stand out among the pictures. The speech bubbles are a different font from the text boxes which also make it easy to follow. Other aspects that will interest the reader are the little known details such as the explanation of the coins placed on the deceased eyes and the reason the president was forced to lay diagonally on the bed.

[Debra]

I think this is a great format to get reluctant students to read about history. The bits of information are not too much but explain the details of Lincoln's assassination well enough to perhaps lead a child to more extensive reading later. The reading level is 4th grade. I appreciate Capstone Press' approach to graphic history and, as always, the company's added features such as timelines, suggested internets sites, etc. I do not love the illustrator for this series who is a little loose with detail, while the pages are colorful and expressive enough.

[Marcia]

A graphic novel detailing the assassination of President Lincoln. Depicting the shooting at the theater, Mrs. Lincoln's reaction and the hours before his death, this is a powerful story that will hold the attention of all who read it. (One thing I learned: at 6' 4", our tallest president had to be laid diagonally on his death bed, because it was too short for him.) The book includes additional resources and websites for further information. I like the Graphic History series; they focus on one event and present it in a way that is very engaging. Excellent for reluctant readers.

[Christina Collins]

One of my daughters (6 years old) picked this up at the library and wanted to read about Abraham Lincoln. She's a mature 6, so we read it and now she knows what "assassination" means. The graphic style kept her attention--maybe she's got a little prior knowledge stored for the future. We read it once, she liked it, we took it back. Eh.

[Heather]

It was OK, but the there were gaps in the story and not much analysis. What was the motive? How did the country react? How did they find Booth in the barn? Why was Booth standing by Lincoln in the earlier photo?

[Stephen Snyder]

Excellent book! Thank you Franklin Public Library for the loan. You've helped a lot of my students with this one.

[Alliecat50]

true to the graphic history series the illustartions are in graphic novel format, specific info given as to key events, may not be suitable for younger readers because of subject matter