What do you think?
Rate this book
Lincoln's Little Girl
"I wish I had a little girl like you, Julie," Mary Todd Lincoln often told Julie Taft, and for the first year of the Lincoln presidency, sixteen year old Julie had the run of the White House, befriending the First Lady, playing with the Lincoln boys, and sharing priceless moments with Lincoln himself, which she noted down in her diary. An intimate portrait of the Lincoln family, as only a child could see them, through the first, fateful, tragic year of the civil war. non-fiction.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
127 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Holland
82 books211 followersPen name used by Elizabeth Eliot Carter.
Cecelia Holland is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and respected historical novelists, ranked by many alongside other giants in that field such as Mary Renault and Larry McMurtry. Over the span of her thirty year career, she's written almost thirty historical novels, including The Firedrake, Rakessy, Two Ravens, Ghost on the Steppe, Death of Attila, Hammer For Princes, The King's Road, Pillar of the Sky, The Lords of Vaumartin, Pacific Street, Sea Beggars, The Earl, The King in Winter, The Belt of Gold, The Serpent Dreamer, The High City, Kings of the North, and a series of fantasy novels, including The Soul Thief, The Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, and Varanger. She also wrote the well-known science fiction novel Floating Worlds, which was nominated for a Locus Award in 1975. Her most recent book is a new fantasy novel, Dragon Heart.
Cecelia Holland is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and respected historical novelists, ranked by many alongside other giants in that field such as Mary Renault and Larry McMurtry. Over the span of her thirty year career, she's written almost thirty historical novels, including The Firedrake, Rakessy, Two Ravens, Ghost on the Steppe, Death of Attila, Hammer For Princes, The King's Road, Pillar of the Sky, The Lords of Vaumartin, Pacific Street, Sea Beggars, The Earl, The King in Winter, The Belt of Gold, The Serpent Dreamer, The High City, Kings of the North, and a series of fantasy novels, including The Soul Thief, The Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, and Varanger. She also wrote the well-known science fiction novel Floating Worlds, which was nominated for a Locus Award in 1975. Her most recent book is a new fantasy novel, Dragon Heart.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 26, 2018
Though I read this some time ago it has stuck with me. Even though I'm not an American, I really enjoyed this unique look at the Lincoln presidency.
I felt it presented a more human side of a man who accomplished so much.
For anyone who has an interest in historical figures I think this is a must read.
I felt it presented a more human side of a man who accomplished so much.
For anyone who has an interest in historical figures I think this is a must read.
September 21, 2014
I love books about Abe Lincoln. I don't know why, but he's always been my favorite historical figure. I was excited when I got to download Lincoln's Little Girl by Cecelia Holland. I had never heard the stories about Julie and her diary. I didn't hear about her brothers who were invited to play with the Lincoln boys in the White House.
Julie gives a wonderful insight into the home life of Abe Lincoln, Mary and the boys. I am always looking for more things to read about Lincoln and his life. I enjoyed reading about Lincoln's relationship with all the kids. He made time for the boys when it would have been easy, and almost excusable, to ignore them for the hard times as president, especially during the Civil War.
Obviously, I enjoyed this book. I think it is a great read and would be wonderful to share with students who are able to read chapter books up to adult readers. I am giving the story 5 stars.
Julie gives a wonderful insight into the home life of Abe Lincoln, Mary and the boys. I am always looking for more things to read about Lincoln and his life. I enjoyed reading about Lincoln's relationship with all the kids. He made time for the boys when it would have been easy, and almost excusable, to ignore them for the hard times as president, especially during the Civil War.
Obviously, I enjoyed this book. I think it is a great read and would be wonderful to share with students who are able to read chapter books up to adult readers. I am giving the story 5 stars.
March 8, 2013
Even though I am an "older" Southern gal, I have always been facinated with Abraham Lincoln the man. I will not take time to explain the 'although I am Southern statement' for that would take a lot of explanation into older characters that I have while researching in the deep south. The diary of Julia Taft opens up the behind the scenes of the White House for a short period of President Lincoln's term. From the mouth of a child come the truth of his love for the innocence of children. The attic scene, came to life for me.
December 5, 2012
I read the book in one sitting. It is a short read and is interesting, my only complaint is it being short. I recommend it for a quick read if you are waiting at a doctor's office, etc. Nice look at another side of the President.
April 26, 2013
A brief look at Lincoln's presidency from a unique perspective: a young friend of Mrs. Lincoln.
January 29, 2013
This was an Amazon.com Kindle 'single' which is a very short book, that only cost 99 cents to get. I'm not sure if it originated as a self-published book, or a magazine article, or what. It was a quick read...I just put it aside because I was busy reading other things and had finals to grade.
The book was about a 16 year old girl Julie Taft who was the oldest sister of two brothers who played with friends of the Lincoln boys, Willie and Tad. She often came over with the boys to watch over them or bring them clothes. Lincoln took a liking to her presence in the White House as well as having extra little boys to add to the wild play of his own little boys. It alleviated the heavy burden he faced with the war coming on. And it did not last long as within a year, Willie, his more serious and sweet son, died of typhus or an infection. The information for this book came from Julie's own diary and was supplemented by information that Lincoln's own secretaries wrote concerning that year. Julie learned to love the solemn Lincoln, who was always mussing up her hair, but who was always ready to stop what he was doing in order to play with the boys. She worried about him and saw what the war was doing to him.
Though a very short book, this gave a unique insight into the life of Lincoln from a young girl's point of view.
The book was about a 16 year old girl Julie Taft who was the oldest sister of two brothers who played with friends of the Lincoln boys, Willie and Tad. She often came over with the boys to watch over them or bring them clothes. Lincoln took a liking to her presence in the White House as well as having extra little boys to add to the wild play of his own little boys. It alleviated the heavy burden he faced with the war coming on. And it did not last long as within a year, Willie, his more serious and sweet son, died of typhus or an infection. The information for this book came from Julie's own diary and was supplemented by information that Lincoln's own secretaries wrote concerning that year. Julie learned to love the solemn Lincoln, who was always mussing up her hair, but who was always ready to stop what he was doing in order to play with the boys. She worried about him and saw what the war was doing to him.
Though a very short book, this gave a unique insight into the life of Lincoln from a young girl's point of view.
October 29, 2013
the story of Julia Taft and her experience in the Lincoln White House in the months leading up to the war. This book tells of life in the Lincoln home during the dreaded years leading up to the war and is based on memoirs of Julia and other key figures in the administration and staff. The style of the book makes it difficult to follow and there seemed to be a lack of coherence to the storytelling. It was difficult to decipher who was the narrator. The book is facts based and could use a better ending of the events pertaining to Julie's latter life and what happened after the war to her brothers.
December 11, 2012
This book was loaned to me. It is a quick read and I learned many details about the Lincoln family. I liked the behind the scenes family view. The author captured the historical time well but this nonfiction book never went in depth. It was only surface observations. A good place to start for research on the Lincoln family. The title of this book is misleading. I thought the book would be more about Julie Taft but it really is her observations of the Lincolns. So that was a little disappointing.
December 17, 2012
After seeing the movie, I wanted to learn more about this great man. This short read describes the relationship of Julie Taft (older sister of two boys who were friend's of the Lincoln boys) with both Mary and Pres. Lincoln. In watching President Obama's reaction to the school shootings, seeing the movie "Lincoln", and reading this book, I have a much greater appreciation about the men who serve us. Sometimes their human side is neglected, which is sad for us all.
December 25, 2012
Lincoln's Little Girl by Cecelia Holland is a short article about Julia Taft, the daughter of friends of Lincoln's. Julia visited the house often to visit with both Abe and Mary as well as their boys Willie and Tad. Holland's article gives us a glimpse of the fun side of the Lincoln's and about their life outside of politics (and inside too). Gleaning information from Julia's own writings/memoir, as well as other close friends, Lincoln's Little Girl is worth the read.
February 15, 2015
Wonderful insight
It was a wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it but I wish it was longer. It was nice to see the Lincoln household through the eyes of children. A refreshing take on history and how much the Lincoln family lost with the heart wrenching deaths of their son. But also delightful to read about the stories of idyllic youth in the White House many years ago.
It was a wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it but I wish it was longer. It was nice to see the Lincoln household through the eyes of children. A refreshing take on history and how much the Lincoln family lost with the heart wrenching deaths of their son. But also delightful to read about the stories of idyllic youth in the White House many years ago.
April 11, 2020
In this slight book aimed at those just old enough to read beyond picture books but who don't yet have the attention span for chapter books, Cecelia Holland tells us the story of little Julie Taft who, with her brothers, became a favored guest of the Lincolns in the early months of the American Civil War.
Julie's little brothers were just about the right age to be great playmates with the Lincolns' two youngest sons, Willie and Tad. Julie was a pleasant wee confidante for the First Lady and they spent a good deal of time just visiting while the boys got into mud puddles in the White House gardens.
This is a bittersweet look at the Lincolns as parents and private citizens. They loved their sons to the point of spoiling, and similarly enjoyed the presence of other children in the house. Especially for the President, kids gave him a chance to smile and take a moment away from unendurable pressure. This is that story.
There is nothing here to cause offense. Even the passing of a major figure in the narrative is handled with taste and dignity.
On the other hand, there's not a lot here that's terribly compelling. It will certainly please parents, especially if those parents are sensitive to "hot-button" issues that they think their kids shouldn't hear about. It will be helpful to children who need to read something that tells them about the Lincoln Family, but I don't envision it being the kind of read that a child will return to again and again.
Julie's little brothers were just about the right age to be great playmates with the Lincolns' two youngest sons, Willie and Tad. Julie was a pleasant wee confidante for the First Lady and they spent a good deal of time just visiting while the boys got into mud puddles in the White House gardens.
This is a bittersweet look at the Lincolns as parents and private citizens. They loved their sons to the point of spoiling, and similarly enjoyed the presence of other children in the house. Especially for the President, kids gave him a chance to smile and take a moment away from unendurable pressure. This is that story.
There is nothing here to cause offense. Even the passing of a major figure in the narrative is handled with taste and dignity.
On the other hand, there's not a lot here that's terribly compelling. It will certainly please parents, especially if those parents are sensitive to "hot-button" issues that they think their kids shouldn't hear about. It will be helpful to children who need to read something that tells them about the Lincoln Family, but I don't envision it being the kind of read that a child will return to again and again.
September 19, 2017
Disappointingly lightweight
I thought that this would be an interesting take on a man - and a period of time - about which I knew little. Unfortunately, my knowledge has not been significantly increased by reading what feels like a very lightweight fictionalised version of Julia Taft Bayne's account, which though written when she was 86, draws on her diary as a 16 year old. With its historical and autobiographical value, this may well be be more enlightening. However going back to Cecilia Holland's work, I have no issue with the length, clearly indicated as 32 pages, but for me this Kindle Single needed more weight to it. The author's notes at the end refer to other material which concurs with Julia Taft Bayne's version of events. Perhaps making more use (or more obvious use) of a wider range of sources would I have given this a little more depth? I realise that I am very much in the minority, but I felt this more suited to a younger reader with an interest in history.
I thought that this would be an interesting take on a man - and a period of time - about which I knew little. Unfortunately, my knowledge has not been significantly increased by reading what feels like a very lightweight fictionalised version of Julia Taft Bayne's account, which though written when she was 86, draws on her diary as a 16 year old. With its historical and autobiographical value, this may well be be more enlightening. However going back to Cecilia Holland's work, I have no issue with the length, clearly indicated as 32 pages, but for me this Kindle Single needed more weight to it. The author's notes at the end refer to other material which concurs with Julia Taft Bayne's version of events. Perhaps making more use (or more obvious use) of a wider range of sources would I have given this a little more depth? I realise that I am very much in the minority, but I felt this more suited to a younger reader with an interest in history.
August 12, 2017
Interesting but woefully short!
It was an interesting read. I read it in one sitting not realising it would conclude so soon. It was lovely to read about Lincoln's involvement with his children and peak inside the family life in the presidential home. Wish there could have been more!
It was an interesting read. I read it in one sitting not realising it would conclude so soon. It was lovely to read about Lincoln's involvement with his children and peak inside the family life in the presidential home. Wish there could have been more!
April 23, 2018
OK
This book have me an insight into Lincoln's life which made me research him a bit more but it wasn't a psge turner. However, it was interesting. The title however is misleading as it sounds like it is about a daughter which is untrue.
This book have me an insight into Lincoln's life which made me research him a bit more but it wasn't a psge turner. However, it was interesting. The title however is misleading as it sounds like it is about a daughter which is untrue.
June 16, 2017
A super quick read, giving a little insight into the man, rather than the president.
August 16, 2017
Great insight
Almost like you're in the pre-Civil War White House with one of the nation's biggest heroes. Thank goodness for Julie Taft.
Almost like you're in the pre-Civil War White House with one of the nation's biggest heroes. Thank goodness for Julie Taft.
August 30, 2017
A really short story
This book was a brief story of Julia Taft and her white house tales. It seems motrs for younger readers
This book was a brief story of Julia Taft and her white house tales. It seems motrs for younger readers
March 18, 2018
Wonderful insight
Looking through the eyes of young girl. Gives wonderful insight to personal family life of the Lincolns. Nice short read.
Looking through the eyes of young girl. Gives wonderful insight to personal family life of the Lincolns. Nice short read.
June 1, 2019
A wonderful book from the diaries of Julie Taft - a little girl's friendship with President Lincoln. Highly recommend!
April 15, 2018
Good quick read
A quick read and insights into the source for the many biographies on The life of Lincoln. The incredible pressures he carried humbly.
A quick read and insights into the source for the many biographies on The life of Lincoln. The incredible pressures he carried humbly.
December 4, 2013
A charming and short book - easily read in one sitting - but very sweet.
Based on the diary of Julie Taft, the story recounts Lincoln's first year as president and the early days of the Civil War, touching on the momentous highs and momentous lows of that time in history and in our country's capital. Snippets of history bounce around memories of Julie's time spent on virtually daily visits to the White House, daily encounters with the president, first lady, and their boys. A wonderful glimpse from a perspective of a young (16 years old) girl.
Really enjoyed this book and am intrigued enough to find more books that talk about the Lincoln family. I feel like I want to know them better after this introduction.
4 out of 5 stars only because of length. I wanted to keep reading! :)
Based on the diary of Julie Taft, the story recounts Lincoln's first year as president and the early days of the Civil War, touching on the momentous highs and momentous lows of that time in history and in our country's capital. Snippets of history bounce around memories of Julie's time spent on virtually daily visits to the White House, daily encounters with the president, first lady, and their boys. A wonderful glimpse from a perspective of a young (16 years old) girl.
Really enjoyed this book and am intrigued enough to find more books that talk about the Lincoln family. I feel like I want to know them better after this introduction.
4 out of 5 stars only because of length. I wanted to keep reading! :)
December 17, 2013
Celeste Holland writes a short but lovely story of Abraham Lincoln the father. Julia Taft and her brothers are playmates to Lincoln's own two younger sons and the fun begins. With dress up parties in the attics, court-martials of dolls and all kinds of childhood pranks, Holland writes of Lincoln the father, who just happens to be president during one of the most horrible times in American history. While at times, it loses it's story like feel, the book still gives you an inside view of what life was like for the Lincoln children. Terrific way to teach history, humanizing the key players to help children identify with what was going on around them.
December 28, 2012
The only reason I did not give this full stars is because I wish it had been more than just a Kindle single. I'm always interested in the personal life of President Lincoln, who was truly a remarkable man. This story is from Julie Taft's diary of her time visiting the White House as the Civil War was just beginning. It left me wanting to know more! Maybe that's the intention of a Kindle single... to make me go searching for more reading material on whatever the particular subject is. This is pretty much a read-in-one-sitting kind of story, and well worth the time.
January 6, 2013
I love history. I love well-written history. This book, imho, is perfect for middle-school & up girls who need to learn a little about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. I say girls, because the heroine is a teenage girl.
The story is simple, interesting, true, and explains what needs to be explained for a 21st-century reader, without ever being dull or pedantic.
My only problem was a rather abrupt ending. I would've liked a little more there, but c'est la vie. All in all, I recommend this book highly.
The story is simple, interesting, true, and explains what needs to be explained for a 21st-century reader, without ever being dull or pedantic.
My only problem was a rather abrupt ending. I would've liked a little more there, but c'est la vie. All in all, I recommend this book highly.
March 3, 2013
Being a bit of a history buff, I must admit that I was anxious to read this short novel. Written by Cecelia Holland from the diaries of 16 year-old Julia Taft, this book brings more insight into Lincoln in his first 6-9 months in the White House. Her witten comments parallel the work of many others who knew/worked with/worked for Lincoln, and presents a more personal side to Lincoln. I encourage anyone interesed in Lincoln (especially) to read this book. And, to also consider reading "Lincoln the Unknown" by Dale Carnegie.
August 4, 2016
Abe Lincoln had a side of him in the White House that isn't taught in history, and this short history book brings it to light. Julia is a girl next door who accompanies her brothers to play with the Lincoln boys. This is in the day when anyone could walk on the White House grounds and knock on the door, so she had spent a lot of time in the White House before. She collects stories and momentos for her diary, as she hangs out with the boys and Mrs. Lincoln, and observes a surprisingly laid-back Abe Lincoln.
August 21, 2014
Since I knew that the Lincoln's did not have a daughter, the title most certainly drew me in. It was offered as a Kindle SINGLE, so I bought it and read it quite quickly. The tragic loss of their son after they were in the White House ended the relationship with this young lady.......it was just too painful for Mary to rememer the good times when they children played together. I am a Lincolnophile, and usually will read just about anything to do with this remarkable president, or his family. If you like Lincoln, you'll like this book.
October 16, 2014
I did not write this review. I wrote a good review, I just couldn't get it transferred to the right place. Sorry. I like writing the reviews but this darn equipment and I just don't get along too well. I just may give up and be lazy and not fight it. It takes me longer to write a review and get it edited and in the right place...Man...I could have almost written another chapter of my book series. Amen!
September 11, 2016
A glimpse into Lincoln's home life
Julie Taft got the opportunity to view the White House of Lincoln's presidency from the inside. Her younger brothers, Bud and Holly, were about the same age of Lincoln's sons, Willie and Tad. Almost every day, Julie would accompany her brothers to the White House so that they could play. She kept a diary, and wrote about the boys' antics and Lincoln's relationship with his sons. Her memoir gave us a picture of what a loving father he was.
Julie Taft got the opportunity to view the White House of Lincoln's presidency from the inside. Her younger brothers, Bud and Holly, were about the same age of Lincoln's sons, Willie and Tad. Almost every day, Julie would accompany her brothers to the White House so that they could play. She kept a diary, and wrote about the boys' antics and Lincoln's relationship with his sons. Her memoir gave us a picture of what a loving father he was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews