Lincoln Shot: A President's Life Remembered

by Barry Denenberg, Christopher Bing (Illustrator)

Lincoln Shot So begins this intimate portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Conceived as a one year anniversary edition of a newspaper, dated April 14, 1866, strongly evocative of the time and the nation's mood. The moment-by-moment recital of the events of the day that ended in assassination holds readers enthralled awaiting the tragic end. The account of the flight, capture, and hanging of some of the conspirators is riveting. From there, Denenberg moves to the log cabin in Kentucky and Lincoln's life unfolds. The boy, the man, the husband and the father is portrayed as a trifle clumsy, often unsure of himself, and plagued by dark moods. Denenberg's Lincoln is ambitious and modest. He struggles with his role as leader as the Civil War nears. In the third part of the book, the year-by-year account of the Civil War is seen through Lincoln's eyes. Every defeat and every victory deepens his struggle and resolve. Award-winning artist Christopher Bing evokes an 1866 newspaper with pen-and-ink scenes from Lincoln's Lincoln wrestling Jack Armstrong, Lincoln taking vows with Mary Todd, Grant and Lee at Appomattox, and Booth shooting Lincoln.
Rich Deas, book designer, has folded Bing's art and sourced archival images into layouts that are undistinguishable for 1866 newspaper design. Every facet of design, from frames to advertisements, has been exactingly molded to evoke the era. The oversized vertical trim underscores the newspaper look and feel. Meticulously researched and exquisitely designed, Lincoln Shot is a uniquely inviting and accessible tribute to Lincoln, whose birth bicentennial is February 12, 2009.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Civil War, Middle Grade, Biography, Presidents, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2008

About the author

Barry Denenberg is the critically acclaimed author of non-fiction and historical fiction. His historical fiction includes titles in the Dear America, My Name is America, and Royal Diaries series, many of which have been named NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. His nonfiction books have covered a wide array of topics, from Anne Frank to Elvis Presley. After the publication of An American Hero: The True Story of Charles Lindburgh, Denenberg was interviewed for various documentaries including ABC’s “The Century.”

Denenberg was born in Brooklyn, New York and lived in Long Island, Binghamton, New York, and Palisades Park, New Jersey. “I was a serious reader from an early age and when I attended Boston University in 1968, majoring in history, I worked in a bookstore at night,” he says. “After college I was a book buyer for some fine, independent bookstores, some of the nation’s largest retail book chains and a marketing executive in publishing.

“At the age of forty I came to the startling realization that the glamorous world of power lunches, power politics, and power trips was not for me. I immediately went to work on the Great American Novel (since destroyed) and was rescued when my future wife, Jean Feiwel (then and now publisher of Scholastic Inc.) made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Scholastic had received a biography of John F. Kennedy that they deemed unacceptable: would I like to try and write one?

“The rest is history in more ways than one. I went on to write biographies of Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, J. Edgar Hoover, Nelson Mandela, Elvis Presley and Voices From Vietnam, an oral history of the war.

“Writing some of the first books in the Dear America series was a turning point in my career. Its popularity and the resulting readers’ letters made a great impression on me. This in turn inspired my writing and fueled my research. With my bookstore background and the help of numerous knowledgeable booksellers I am able to assemble an extensive bibliography on each topic I write.

“I think there’s an art to both writing and research. I’m a good writer but a better researcher.”

Something that has added greatly to Denenberg’s perspective on writing for young readers is his volunteer work as Director of Creative Writing and Library Services at the Waterside School in Stamford, Connecticut. Waterside, established in 2001, is an independent school dedicated to educating gifted children of the communities’ low-income families.

Aside from writing and teaching Denenberg’s interests include listening to music, reading (books not related to his research), swimming, practicing yoga and spending time with his family.

Barry Denenberg lives in Bedford, New York with his wife and daughter.

Reviews

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read! I checked it out for Tom (the Civil War connoisseur), but I ended up reading the whole thing! It's not long- 40 pages including indexes and credits, but totally engrossing. The book is 12 inches wide by 18 inches tall, and the pages have the look of old-timey newspaper pages. There is a ton of information packed in these pages! The book begins with the day of Lincoln's assassination. It takes you through his day until the moment of the murder. The hunt, capture and hanging of the conspirators is covered, along with some history of each person involved.

From there, the book turns back to Lincoln's boyhood, his rise as a public figure, and his courtship of Mary Lincoln. There are many fascinating details about their family (and the deaths of their two sons), their personalities, and the many people involved in the lead-up and execution of the Civil War. One of the most poignant items in the book is a series of four photographs of the President from 1860 to 1865. It is heartbreaking to see how he aged and tragedy is visible on his face.

Excellent, excellent book!

(And,NO - the current Republican Party has NOTHING to do with "The party of Lincoln"!)

[Stephanie Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book a lot. There were so many things I didn't know about Lincoln that now I do. I recommend this book for your kids. It is well put together and I think it would be a great addition to any kids or even teachers book shelf!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at Lincoln's life detailing his assassination and then starting at the beginning with his childhood, evolution of his career, Presidential term, and the Civil War.

The book is large and information is displayed as if in an old fashioned newspaper. Text is written in an engaging tone and numerous photos, maps etc are included as well as a plethora of resources (bibliography, further reading etc).

This author does such a good job of writing books about important historical events and people for a juvenile audience. There are so many facts jam-packed into this book, but it reads like a great story instead of a list of need-to-know-info.

I highly recommend this book to both children and adults as one of the best Lincoln books I've read to date.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rather large in size, but that is because each page looks as if it were from an old newspaper. Written, researched, and put together by members of The National News, the book begins with Lincoln's assassination, and then goes back through his boyhood, ending with the final days of the Civil War. Along with the text are sketches, photographs, maps, and images of primary source documents. It also has a timeline of Lincoln's life and index in the back. While this is a text-heavy, it could be broken up into segments to use for research purposes.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! To celebrate Lincoln's 200th birthday (coming February 12, 2009), the author and illustrator worked their truthful tale into a series of newspaper articles.

The newspaper is the "National News" and it kicks off this "Special Memorial Edition" by asking where were you on Friday, April 14th, 1865, the night President Lincoln was shot?

Uniquely told, there are photographs, drawings, letters and newspaper advertisements for items from Lincoln's time scattered throughout this bio.

[Sam Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really an impressive book. A humongous book (it didn't fit in any of my bags), laid out like an old time newspaper, with several photographs (including a harrowing picture snapped right after the outlaws involved in the murder conspiracy were hanged) and really interesting insight into the days immediately following Lincoln's shooting, then a retrospective of Lincoln's life. One of the most well-made and cleverly packaged children's biographies I've seen.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaargh, I hate that such a wonderful book came in such a library unfriendly shape. It is sooooooo tall but I had so much fun reading it. I learned so much more about Lincoln and his family than I have before and I was so happy to find I laughed and worried with them. It really does help you understand how Lincoln has caught our attention for such a long time. Great for any history fan. Grades 5+

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must purchase, for Lincoln lover's. The entire book is made to look old and the pages and illustration's aged. Very informative, and well written and creatively executed. Will appeal to first time readers of Lincoln, as well as those well read on the subject. A must have for Lincoln collectors.

[Ashley Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is formatted in the style of an old newspaper, with several photographs. It offers some really interesting insight into the days immediately following Lincoln's shooting. A retrospective of Lincoln's life follows. It is a great children’s biography. The children in my 5th grade placement couldn't put it down.

[Daniel]

Book is big (more than a foot long). It is a biography of Lincoln told through the format of newspapers articles, photos, and line drawings. Challenging for k12 but accessible because of format. Not a read aloud.

[Beckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a work of art. The book is as big as a newspaper, and every page is like stepping back in time. The pen & ink artwork, the ads, and photographs all add to the biographical text. This would be a wonderful addition to any Lincoln fan's library.

[Candi]

Ages 9+

[Lu]

Interesting, but I don't think it will be checked out very often. I'm going to use it in the library so the kids can browse through it.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is totally awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful picture book that will appeal to students of all ages. The pages are laid out like pages of old newspapers. This book tells the life and death of President Lincoln.