Lincoln and Douglass: An American Friendship

This book explains the friendship between Lincoln and Douglass and the similarities between the both though they came from very different backgrounds. This would be a great book to use in history as a way to explain part of the civil war.

I could see using this book for elementary or middle school students. I would use this book as a lead in for a lesson on slavery. It’s a story about Abraham Lincoln and Fredric Douglass at Lincoln’s second inaugural reception. As well as a back story as to why each of them, coming from

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exceedingly different backgrounds and with different experiences with slavery, were opposed to slavery. The illustrations are very well done. The story is well organized. The only real fault I found with it was an unbalanced portrayal of John Brown. If I were to use this book I would supplement it with a lecture on the merits and faults of John Brown to give a more balanced historical view.

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This book is one of my favorites! It's about the strong bond that President Lincoln formed with Frederick Douglass who was a slave but escaped and was one of the central figures in the american abolishment movement. The book talks about the struggles that both men had to deal with but they also had

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the same vision. Without these men, we would still have slavery. Another great book to read to elementary school children so they can read about their friendship and the vision they shared.

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This historical nonfiction picture book is a fun and easy read that compares the similarities and differences between two prominent American history figures. The underlying meaning of this book is that friendship comes in all colors and that what is right is not always popular. This story is

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enjoyable due to the brilliant illustrations.

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1865 marked the start of Abraham Lincoln's second term as President. Racial tensions were high and equality was limited. Lincoln and Frederick Douglass shared many ideas and both resented slavery. Douglass was a slave and ran away from his "owners", trying to avoid being beaten. He was taken in by

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Quakers. Lincoln and Douglass both were avid learners and worked hard to better themselves. It was not until the journey down to New Orleans that Lincoln realized the brutal nature of slavery and segregation. Both men hated slavery. The focus of this picture book is the meeting between both men at the inaugural ball. Due to a misunderstanding, Douglass was asked to enter through the back door. Both men agreed that the country was going through tough times but their powerful friendship could improve the state of the country. It was not until after Lincoln was assassinated that the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, signaling the end of slavery.

Friendship is a powerful teaching idea emphasized in this book. The theme of friendship shows that our individual differences should be appreciated. With the onset of the Civil War, the United States had a major ideological rift. This book is written in a poetic style and is appropriate for students in grades one to three. The book has colorful illustrations and allows students to have tactile experiences while reading. The interactive nature of this book makes learning enjoyable and memorable.

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This lovely book tells the story of the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The illustrations are lovely and the story is a wonderful gateway to a quest of learning more about their thoughts and interworkings.

The book opens in the year 1865 at a reception celebrating

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Lincoln's second inauguration as the United States president. Deep into the Civil War, Lincoln is steadfast in his belief that slavery needs to end. Frederick Douglass, a black man who is well respected, forges the relationship with Lincoln and attends this occasion celebration.

While Lincoln searches for Douglass, his wife notes that it isn't wise to invite a black person. When Lincoln finally notices Douglass it is mentioned that because of the color of his skin, Douglass experienced some difficulty in entering the gala.

Full of information I never knew, once again an illustrated book has pulled me into the content of the well-written and beautifully illustrated tale. Lincoln's eyes were opened on many occasions, but the first time he hauled farm produce down the Mississippi River to New Orleans he was made aware of the travesty of the way in which the black people were treated.

Frederick Douglass reached out to Lincoln when he was elected to the House of Representaitves. The book notes that Frederick wanted to teach Lincoln and he in turn wanted to learn. It is also noted that the two enjoyed each other's company and the ability to laugh amid the sorrow of what what happening in the country.

The fact that Lincoln invited Douglass to his inauguration party shows a lot about Lincoln's character.

Highly recommended!

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