Ambushed!: The Assassination Plot Against President Garfield

by Gail Jarrow (Author)

Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade

This thrilling title for young readers blends science, history, and medical mysteries to tell the story of the assassination and ultimately horrible death of President James Garfield.

James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, was assassinated when he was shot by Charles Guiteau in July 1881, less than four months after he was elected president. But Garfield didn't actually die until 80 days later. In this page-turner, award-winning author Gail Jarrow delves into the fascinating story of the relationship between Garfield and Guiteau, and relates the gruesome details of Garfield's slow and agonizing death. She reveals medical mistakes made in the aftermath of Garfield's assassination, including the faulty diagnoses and outdated treatments that led to the president's demise. This gripping blend of science, history, and mystery -- the latest title in the Medical Fiascoes series -- is nonfiction for kids at its best: exciting and relevant and packed with plenty of villains and horrifying facts.

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School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 4-9--Jarrow continues her "Medical Fiascoes" series with a compelling account of the life and death of James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Clearly presenting the figures of Garfield and Charles Guiteau, Jarrow's analysis of the lead up to the assassination and its aftermath is a mesmerizing read. Readers, who most likely already know the outcome of the July 2, 1881 shooting, will be rooting for Garfield's survival along with the nation as it receives daily updates from the president's medical team. The author has provided a multitude of primary sources to enhance the immediacy of her writing. The ramifications of each medical decision are reviewed and placed in their political and the historical contexts. The slow, lingering death of James Garfield in the summer heat of Washington, D.C., the anger of the American people, and the mental instability of the assassin all combine to make this an unforgettable book. Back matter includes glossary, time line, more to explore online websites, author's note, source notes, extensive bibliography, index, and picture credits. VERDICT Highly recommended for fans of medical nonfiction. Works by Mary Roach and other titles by Jarrow.--Susan Catlett, Green Run H.S., Virginia Beach

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

★ The latest installment of Jarrow's Medical Fiascoes series dissects the assassination of President James Garfield. With characteristic thoroughness, Jarrow tells the entire story, including details from Garfield's children's diaries and numerous other firsthand sources as well as many illustrations. The volume's attractive design and clear, accessible text make it eminently readable. Garfield's illness united the country, and his death led to civil service reform and the advancement of germ theory—but readers are left mourning his loss. Invites appreciation of and affection for a president nearly everyone has forgotten. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ This well-researched, engaging second entry in the Medical Fiascoes series recounts the torturous medical treatment President Garfield endured after being shot by an assassin on July 2, 1881. The primary source materials (diaries, letters, interviews) are revealing, and the many historical photos and full-page illustrations from newspapers and magazines of the time appealing. Each chapter's intriguing last sentence invites continued reading. Readers unfamiliar with this nearly forgotten president will find themselves admiring him for his forbearance and good nature throughout his ordeal. Well sourced and highly recommended. —Booklist, starred review

★ Jarrow continues her 'Medical Fiascoes' series with a compelling account of the life and death of James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. The author has provided a multitude of primary sources to enhance the immediacy of her writing. The ramifications of each medical decision are reviewed and placed in their political and the historical contexts. The slow, lingering death of James Garfield in the summer heat of Washington, D.C., the anger of the American people, and the mental instability of the assassin all combine to make this an unforgettable book. Back matter includes glossary, time line, more to explore online websites, author's note, source notes, extensive bibliography, index, and picture credits. Highly recommended. —School Library Journal
Gail Jarrow
Gail Jarrow's books have earned a YALSA Award for Excellece in Nonfiction for Young Adults award, Sibert Honor, Orbis Pictus Honor, YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults finalist, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book and Best STEM book, The Jefferson Cup Award, a Eureka! Gold Award, as well as Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal Best Books and VOYA Honor Book distinctions. She lives in Ithaca, New York. Visit gailjarrow.com.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781684378142
Lexile Measure
1020
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Calkins Creek Books
Publication date
October 12, 2021
Series
Medical Fiascoes
BISAC categories
JNF025200 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/19th Century
JNF024020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Health & Daily Living | Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries
JNF007130 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Presidents & First Families (U.S.)
Library of Congress categories
History
Presidents
Assassination
Medicine
Garfield, James A
Guiteau, Charles J

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