Land of Lincoln Statewide Read: Connecting With Mr. Lincoln

Welcome! This blog is for online discussions about the book Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power by Richard Carwardine and other books related to Lincoln. Below are several discussion questions, many of which look at the larger issues that President Lincoln faced. Those questions can be a starting point for more in-depth discussion and questions. Join in an online discussion here or use the questions for your local book club.

What Books Have You Read?

What books about Lincoln have you read? Please feel free to share titles and write about them here!

Discussion: Campaign for President

How was the political campaign when Lincoln became president similar to what happens in presidential campaigns today? How was it different?






Who was Judge David Davis? There is a link to the David Davis Mansion, a State Historical Site in Bloomington, Illinois here: http://daviddavismansion.org/







What was the role of Judge David Davis in the Republican Presidential Nomination process?

Discussion: What Did You Learn in School?

How is the story of Lincoln in this book the same or different than what you learned about him in school?

Discussion: "A House Divided. . . "

How did Lincoln develop the idea of "A house divided against itself cannot stand"?

Discussion: Lincoln-Douglas Debates

How did audiences react to the Lincoln-Douglas Debates?

Discussion: President Lincoln and Our Country's Darkest Hours

How did Lincoln make decisions to lead our country out of its darkest hours?

Discussion: President Lincoln and Impatient Citizens

How did Lincoln cope with people growing impatient as the war dragged on and became less popular?

Discussion: How and Why Did Lincoln Free the Slaves?

How and why did Lincoln free the slaves?

Discussion: For Our Political Leaders

Kids! Do you know the names of your political leaders in the government? Contact your political leaders and invite them to share their ideas about Lincoln. Invite a leader to read a book about Lincoln or think about what Lincoln means to Illinois. You can ask a parent or other adult how to contact your leaders in government. Leaders are encouraged to write about Lincoln here or for their local newspaper.

Discussion: What Does Lincoln Mean to You?

Lincoln is often called our greatest president. Do you agree? What does Lincoln mean to you?

Discussion: Start Your Own Discussions

You are invited to start new discussions!