Book review: 'Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union!' lacks substance

I really quite enjoyed the first "Show Me History!" book I read, so I was prepared to like this one. But not so much. "Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union!" gives a sweeping overview of Lincoln's life, but readers should be prepared to feel underwhelmed.

After retelling several events that  occurred in Lincoln's young years, the two narrators, Libby and Sam, admit they aren't sure if many of them are true. Learning that the previous pages might not be true could have readers wondering what to expect in the rest of the book and if continuing to read this volume will be a waste of time.

While the graphic novel format is entertaining, the illustrations go too far and it's easy to focus on the supporting characters' facial expressions and snide comments and forget about the main story. Lincoln was, and is, a much respected man, but the worried, bewildered, and exasperated expressions depicted on many of the people surrounding him give off a very disrespected feeling, which probably wasn't (hopefully) what the publisher was going for.

Side stories, such as the printing of paper money, the origination of the term "sideburns," and other oddities are fascinating but probably not reasons to pick up this book. These side stories instead serve as interesting disruptions to the main parts of Lincoln's life.

"Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union!" has one profanity and zero romance. It speaks about the many deaths that occurred in the Civil War as well as Lincoln's murder, but there aren't any disturbing visual graphics.

Author Mark Shulman lives in New York with his family, he is the author of more than 30 books. Illustrator Tom Martin lives in Massachusetts.

Book breakdown:
96 pages
Full color illustrations in graphic novel format
Best for ages: 7+
Educational factor: medium high
Christian: no
Parents should be aware of: well, Lincoln is murdered in the end of the book...