Chasing Lincoln’s Killer

“This story is true. All the characters are real and were alive during the great manhunt of April 1865. Their words are authentic and come from original sources: letters, manuscripts, trail transcripts, newspapers, government reports, pamphlets, books, and other documents. What happened in Washington, D.C. that spring, and in the swamps and rivers, forests and fields of Maryland and Virginia during the next 12 days, is far too incredible to have been made up.”

Now what 6th-8th grader won’t be intrigued with this description? The book is fast-paced, full of intrigue and energy, and entirely true. In it students will learn details about the assassination of President Lincoln—the assassin, those who harbored the assassin, the hunt, and confusion, the mysteries. It is all here and told within a series of fourteen chapters. As they read students will learn more about the man who was assassinated. Who was he as a father? Husband? Friend? How did his death impact those closest to him?

This book is based on the best-selling adult book, Manhunt. The structure begins with critical front matter—a list of major participants, the context from 1861-1865, and a prologue. After the 14th chapter (The trial and execution) there is an epilogue. The book contains many primary source photos and maps that enhance the understanding of the chase.

About the Author:

James Swanson was born (years later) on Lincoln’s birthday. As a young boy James Swanson became fascinated with Abraham Lincoln. This fascination began when, as a 10-year-old, his grandmother gave him an unusual birthday present (students will need to read the book to find what that present was but it sent young James on a search for the rest of the story. At that time, he began collecting books, documents, and artifacts about the life and death of Lincoln. A 10-year-old had found his passion.

Although James wrote the book he gives much credit to two young readers. As an 11-year-old, Cameron read the adult book and listened to it on audio. Then he helped his dad by making helpful observations and comments. As a 9-year-old the other son, Harrison, helped choose just the right words (e.g., thinking henchmen would be much for effective with kids than co-conspirator). Swanson also spoke to a group of 2nd graders who did not read the book but who gave him tips on writing for kids. One of their tips, “Keep the blood and gore, but not so much that parents will flip out. ”So, in addition to all the adults who also worked on this book a lot of credit goes to kids.

Students may not care but James is an authority on the life and death of Lincoln. He serves on the advisory council of the Ford’s Theater Society and also on the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (this means he is legit).

Pathways Themes: Yesterday

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