The 'Hamilton' Effect for Books
There’s a specific kind of historical nonfiction that managed to survive the transition into the TikTok era, and Chasing Lincoln's Killer is the blueprint. It works because it doesn't try to be an encyclopedia; it tries to be a police procedural. By focusing on the twelve-day window following the assassination, Swanson creates a contained, high-stakes narrative that kids can actually follow.
Why the Format Matters
For parents of kids who 'only read graphic novels,' this is a great bridge. The 2009 Scholastic edition is loaded with visual aids—actual telegrams, photos of the conspirators, and maps of the escape route through the Navy Yard Bridge and into the Zekiah Swamp. It provides the visual scaffolding that many middle-grade readers still need to stay engaged with dense text.
A Note on the 'Villain'
One of the best things about the book is how it handles John Wilkes Booth. It doesn't make him a cartoon. It shows him as a vain, talented, and deeply radicalized individual. It’s a useful case study in how someone can be convinced they are the hero of a story while doing something monstrous. In 2026, where we spend a lot of time talking about misinformation and radicalization, Booth's story feels weirdly contemporary.
The grown-up original: This is the official young readers adaptation of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson — James L. Swanson's own retelling, at a length and reading level a middle-schooler can finish. When they close this one and want more, the original is the natural next step.
