About This Book
Reach for this book when you have a middle schooler who claims history is boring or a reader who loves heist movies but needs to build their nonfiction stamina. It is the perfect bridge for kids who prefer high stakes thrillers over dry textbooks. The story follows a real life 1875 plot by a gang of counterfeiters to steal Abraham Lincoln's body and hold it for ransom to free their leader from prison. While the premise sounds macabre, Steve Sheinkin focuses on the suspenseful cat and mouse game between the bumbling criminals and the fledgling Secret Service. It explores themes of justice and the messy reality of early American law enforcement. For parents, it offers a way to discuss how history is shaped by surprising, sometimes bizarre events without being overly grim. It is highly appropriate for ages 10 to 14, reading like a fast paced novel while remaining entirely factual.
