Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship

by Nikki Giovanni Narrated by Danny Glover

Overview

In celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday in February 2009, we present this story of the unusual friendship between two great American leaders. At a time when racial tensions were high and racial equality was not yet established, Lincoln and Douglass formed a strong bond over shared ideals.

Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

A dramatic double-page spread of the Emancipation Proclamation fast-forwards to a March evening in 1865 at the White House, where President and Mrs. Lincoln are hosting an inaugural ball and to which Frederick Douglass is an invited guest. Giovanni then goes back in time to Douglass's and Lincoln's childhoods, comparing and contrasting. It's then back to the ball via Harpers Ferry and the Civil War. The text, already disjointed, even devotes two pages to John Brown and Mary Ellen Pleasant (who helped raise money for Brown), further fracturing the narrative. Collier's large paintings are dramatic, particularly one of soldiers in grey fighting soldiers in blue and another of a slave looking out from the divided pieces of an American flag. Unfortunately, both Lincoln and Douglass are depicted with oddly shaped faces and strange hairdos, which often resemble toupées. The stiff dialogue is unsourced by any notes. It's the season for Lincolnalia, but this team, who collaborated successfully on Rosa (2005), fail to present a focused work that will be meaningful to children. (timeline) (Picture book. 4-7)

From the Publisher

"Clear, accessible storytelling...the story of two powerful men who shaped the course of the United States, but also a brief history of the war that raged while they forged a fast but deep friendship."—Publishers Weekly

JUNE 2009 - AudioFile

When a picture book wins a Caldecott Honor Medal, it takes a skilled narrator to capture the story’s words AND its illustrations. Jerry Dixon’s gentle, intimate presentation welcomes the listener to Henry "Box" Brown's life. One can only be impressed by Henry’s character as he experiences the gruesome existence of a slave during the mid-1800s. Nothing can ameliorate his pain as his family is torn apart, and nothing can deter him from inflicting injury to himself in order to initiate his unusual plan. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172289354
Publisher:	Weston Woods
Publication date:	01/01/2009
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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