reviewed

Historically fascinating and gorgeous to look at. ( )

This novel is a historical fiction about Abraham Lincoln, written from the perspective of his two sons, William and Tad. This novel follows significant periods in their father’s life: such as Lincoln’s life as Senator and eventual life as U.S President, his role in the Civil War, and then finally, his influence on the abolition of slavery. In fact, in the author’s note at the end of the story it was revealed that all of the events and details included about his life in this book were true and factual (with only the dialogue used being the only fictional component to this story).
Instead of this novel honing in on what it was like to be the son of one of the most famous U.S. Presidents of all time, the central focus on the story was more on Lincoln's family life and what kind of man he was, so that people that were born before his time could understand just how brilliant, honest, and compassionate Abraham Lincoln really was. Lincoln was portrayed in this story as a kind-hearted family man who really cared about getting equality for slaves, and making a positive- difference in the world. While parts 1 and 2 of this text followed Williams’s perspective on his father, the Civil War, and how the War affected his father, part 3 was more focused on the death of William and followed the perspective on the War from the youngest son of Lincoln; Tad, and his life up until the point of his brother’s death.
Even when the war got ugly; Lincoln still kept his head high and used his wit to find a suitable General to lead the remainder of the War. All while remembering to uphold his manners at the dinner table so that he wouldn’t cause any trouble with his wife. Genuine honesty and grief bled through this novel as we learn about the loss of his son, and how this in turn effects how he viewed the loss of thousands of soldier’s during the War and feeling helpless to prevent their premature demise at such young ages. Then when the War was finally over, despite the fact that Lincoln was given the opportunity to be cruel, he instead chose to show mercy to the capital of the Rebel South (despite the numerous death threats they sent him) and “let’s them off easy”. This novel represents not only a historical fiction, but also serves as a worthy recounting of the life of Lincoln and displays the greatness of the man he once was. ( )

Based on actual events, Lincoln and His Boys contains three stories of Abraham Lincoln's youngest sons Willie and Tad. It's definitely interesting to see Lincoln through the eyes of his sons, but Rosemary Wells says in the author's note, "No detail was imagined or invented except the dialogue and the circumstances in which it took place." I have to wonder: why even fictionalize it? Why not just write a straight nonfiction book? The book is definitely marketed and cataloged as fiction, but I would have been on board with it if it had been done as nonfiction or biography. As a fiction story, I found it pretty boring. ( )

Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com

2009 marks the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. There are many things that history books may tell us about the former president, but not many show Mr. Lincoln through the eyes of his sons. LINCOLN AND HIS BOYS sets out to do just that.

Through Willie and Tad we get to see a side of Lincoln we don't always see. He was playful and loving with his boys, and many times the president took refuge from the hardships of war in his children and family.

Author Rosemary Wells has written a wonderfully researched story of the Lincoln family told from the point of view of Willie and Tad.

I have always been fascinated with the Lincoln family and this book was a wonderful treat. The illustrations are so beautiful that they evoke emotion from the reader, and I could hear the laughter of Willie, Tad, and Mr. Lincoln playing in the White House.

LINCOLN AND HIS BOYS is a great gift for history fans of all ages and a perfect way to celebrate this amazing family. ( )