The conferral of the 1988 Newbery Medal to Russell Freedman's Lincoln: A Photobiography marked a significant shift in the landscape of juvenile literature. This accolade, bestowed by the Children’s Services Division of the American Library Association, underscored the book’s departure from traditional biographical narratives aimed at young readers. Prior to the mid-1970s, juvenile biographies often adopted a didactic tone, crafting idealized portraits of political leaders to impart moral and social lessons. Freedman, however, sought to dismantle this mold by embracing a more nuanced portrayal of historical figures.

In his Newbery acceptance speech, Freedman reflected on this evolution, noting that biographical writing had transitioned from idolizing its subjects to presenting them with their inherent flaws and challenges. He argued that biographies, particularly those intended for children, should eschew fictionalization in favor of a commitment to documented evidence, ensuring that they are as rigorous as any scholarly work. This approach, he insisted, should not preclude a lively and engaging writing style akin to that found in fictional narratives. To achieve this, Freedman emphasized the importance of original research, site visits, and engagement with primary sources—an assertion corroborated by Frank Dempsy in a 1988 Horn Book essay, which highlighted Freedman's on-site research efforts in Springfield, Illinois.

Jean Fritz, another esteemed author of juvenile biographies, echoed this sentiment by pointing out the infrequency with which authors in this genre historically engaged in original research or provided thorough documentation of their sources. Freedman's work, therefore, stands as a beacon for how juvenile biographies can be both meticulously researched and compellingly written. By setting a precedent for incorporating scholarly diligence with narrative flair, Lincoln: A Photobiography has inspired a new standard, encouraging writers to embrace both authenticity and creativity in equal measure.