A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of the Year A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year Kirkus Reviews 40 Most Anticipated Books of the Year A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection "Marcus has given young readers an Abraham Lincoln for the 21st century, someone both relevant and resonant. Using cutting-edge technology to present himself to the world, our 16th president consciously manipulated his public persona by curating and sharing just the right images. Middle graders are sure to nod in recognition." -- The New York Times Book Review "A provocative study of Abraham Lincoln as a masterly media manipulator . Marcus presents Lincoln as an early adopter of new technology, being one of the first public figures to understand the power of photography . A fresh angle offering yet another reason to regard Lincoln as our presidential G.O.A.
T." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review "[A] fascinating, anecdote-rich profile of the sixteenth president . Marcus' latest is exceedingly well written and unfailingly interesting, bringing Lincoln into vivid focus. The book will be useful in the classroom, of course, but is even better for independent reading." -- Booklist , starred review "This trim, information-packed volume examines Abraham Lincoln, from pre-presidential days to his assassination, as a skillful image-builder who sought to 'let photographic portrayals represent him as a man of strength, conviction, humility, and compassion' . Written in an accessible tone, peppered with warm anecdotes, and brimming with historical images enhanced by explicatory captions, this is an intriguing, well-researched look at 19th-century politics and presentation as exemplified by Lincoln. Numerous enriching timelines and sidebars appear throughout." -- Publishers Weekly " Mr.
Lincoln Sits for His Portrait is a wonderful way to get to know our sixteenth president. Leonard Marcus brings deep historical knowledge to the story of Lincoln's rise in the world, and he pays close attention to the way photography helped to facilitate that rise. The happy result is a combination of imagery and writing that presents a most compelling portrait of our greatest president." --Ted Widmer, author of Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington "I couldn't stop reading this book. Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait offers a unique view of Lincoln told through a different lens--literally. Marcus' grasp of history and his ability to make it come alive and give it context are breathtaking. Lincoln the inventor--his embrace of the new technologies of the telegraph and photography--added a new depth to my understanding and appreciation for the sixteenth president and the times in which he lived.
" --Judith Rovenger, Educator and past Director of Children's and Youth Services, Westchester Library System, New York.