LINCOLN'S GRAVE ROBBERS
Steve Sheinkin
Scholastic
2012
Available: paperback, Kindle, hard
cover, audible, audio
This is a non fiction true crime story about the attempt to steal
Abraham Lincoln's body in 1875-76.The story begins with Secret Service agents
arresting Ben Boyd who was a skilled counterfeiter, possibly the best. With him
in jail, it seems that his criminal cohorts are doomed without him. Members of
his counterfeiting ring want him out of jail. They meet and come up with what
they think is a foolproof plan.
They will steal Lincoln's body from its tomb,
hide it, and ransom it for the release of Ben Boyd (plus some money).
This is a really interesting read. Kids,
who have even the slightest interest in history, will love it. The story is
told from the viewpoints of the different players involved: the conspirators,
the Secret Service agents, and an undercover agent. The reader is lead into the
1870's world of counterfeiting, grave robbing, detective work, and the early
days of the Secret Service.
Target audience: Grades 7-8
Mystery/ suspense: interesting
Kid appeal: high for kids interested in history
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