Lesley Moore Vossen (Children's Literature)
Intertwining a simplified biography of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln with words from his speeches and writings, this book gives an overview of an American president who many believe is the greatest the nation has known. From his early words, which demonstrate his love of books to the legacy of the words of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln’s character shines forth through his own words. The author is able to reduce the complexities of the times and the issues of slavery and civil war to the sparse prose of a picture book and the powerful and arresting illustrations further illuminate Lincoln’s life. The illustrations are stark and realistic and this realism offers a glimpse at the look of the pre-Civil War and Civil War period of America’s past. The book also includes a listing of important dates in Lincoln’s life, a bibliography of 10 books about Lincoln for those who wish to read more, some research sources, and the complete text of the Gettysburg Address. 2008, Hyperion Books for Children/Disney Book Group, $16.99. Ages 8 up.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 20))
Rappaport plainly explicates the major events in Abraham Lincoln's life from his poor beginnings to the assassin's bullet. Her explanations of Lincoln's intellectual and social condemnation of slavery, and that condemnation's increasing influence on his decisions as President, arguably rank among the clearest in nonfiction for this age group (although as compressed as most): "The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves only in the states and territories that were in rebellion. Lincoln wanted slavery ended in the entire nation." A design companion to Martin's Big Words (2001), Nelson's compelling illustrations, worked in a palette of umber, ochre, red and blue, epically render such scenes as the suffering of enslaved field workers, and Lincoln towering above the crowd at Gettysburg. By placing the viewer virtually at ground level in relation to the picture plane, Nelson evokes the heroism inherent in his compositions' central figures. Regrettably, the failure to contextualize the Lincoln quotations sprinkled throughout diminishes the historical verisimilitude of this otherwise remarkable achievement. (author's and illustrator's notes, timeline, suggested reading, selected bibliography of sources, Gettysburg Address) 2008, Hyperion, 48p, $16.99. Category: Picture book/biography. Ages 6 to 10. © 2008 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Stephanie Bange (Library Media Connection, January/February 2009)
As she did with Martin’s Big Words (Hyperion, 2001), Rappaport tells the story of Abraham Lincoln using his writings on every page turn to reinforce her text. Every detail is taken into account. Rappaport opens Lincoln’s story when he was a boy, highlights his self-education and formative years, moves on to his early experiences in politics, includes his observations and thoughts about slavery, and closes with his time in office (quotes from his inaugural addresses and speeches made in office punctuate the stresses he endured). The two-page spreads in this oversize picture book feature stunning artwork. The color-saturated illustrations have a glow within and detail enough to entice the viewer to pour over them. Nelson’s use of varied perspectives is spot-on. Readers will contemplate the relationship between the written word and the story told in the art, dwelling on this book to savor it. A timeline of Lincoln’s life, bibliographies of children’s and adult books about Lincoln, and the text of ‘the Gettysburg Address’ are appended. Librarians who purchased Judith St. George’s Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln (Philomel, 2008) will want to add Rappaport’s book and use the two together. Highly Recommended. 2009, Hyperion Books for Children/Disney Publishing Worldwide, 48pp., $16.99 hc. Ages 3 to 9.

Elizabeth Bush (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, October 2008 (Vol. 62, No. 2))
In time for the Lincoln bicentennial, Rappaport reprises the successful format of Martin’s Big Words (BCCB 1/02), which introduced the life and eloquence of the civil rights activist to elementary grade children. Able storytelling, informal but never folksy, lays out the essential Lincoln biography in one fluid sweep, interrupted only by the subject’s own words, aptly selected to showcase both better- and lesser-known speech excerpts and observations. For instance, when the narration simply notes, “He became a lawyer. His clients praised ‘Honest Old Abe. . . .” Lincoln adds, “Resolve to be honest at all events, and if you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer. Choose some other occupation.” Nelson’s paintings, often three-quarter-spread images, are equally capable of presenting Lincoln as a national icon and as a small-town guy made good. Much of the power of the compositions comes from attention to the responses of citizens who listen to his speeches with expressions of intense interest, trust, or outright skepticism. A timeline, a copy of the Gettysburg Address, and a bibliography are appended, as well as a list of children’s books for further reading. Expect this title to see plenty of circulation well beyond February 12th, 2009 Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2006, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2008, Hyperion, 44p.; Reviewed from galleys, $16.99. Ages 5-9 yrs.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2009)
In spare language, Rappaport describes turning points in Lincoln's life, accompanied by excerpts from his speeches. Big events receive eloquent quotes while other aspects (e.g., his constant reading) are punctuated with plainer speech. Some of Nelson's handsome portraits glow with background light and luminous tones; at other times, he portrays an unassuming man. The Gettysburg Address completes the book. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib. Category: Nonfiction-Biographies. 2008, Hyperion, 48pp, 16.99. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average.