Lincoln's Grave Robbers (Steve Sheinkin)

So many interesting things have happened in this world, and I'm aware of so few of them.  That's my conclusion after reading Lincoln's Grave Robbers, the story of the plot to steal Lincoln's body for ransom in 1876.  Author Steve Sheinkin does a good job telling the story in a way that's informative, interesting, and appropriate for children.  Along the way, you learn more about not only the attempted heist, but also about counterfeiting (the motive was to get money and free Ben Boyd, a famous engraver in counterfeiting circles) and body snatching (a prevalent medical practice in the late 1800s, until laws were passed to make getting corpses for study much easier).  All "good stuff," in a gruesome sort of way.  Certainly not anything I ever learned in school.  The 207 pages fly by, so pick this up when you get a chance.

Rating: A