Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Title: Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson

What is it About? It is about, as implied in the title, chasing Lincoln’s killer. We know that John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln after the Civil War was over and the Confederacy had lost. (And if you don’t, well now you do!)Booth was upset that the Confederacy had lost the war. So, while Lincoln was watching a play, Booth took out a knife and his famous Deringer Pistol, and shot the president in the head with one shot. Then, he quickly fled the building. He also had other people in his team who at almost the same time, attempted to assassinate other important people from the Union. Booth then ran down South with his accomplices, because he would find comfort in the South. But, did he ever get caught? If so, what punishment did he face? Read this book and find out.

What Did I Like About This Book? I liked how the author specifically described what was going on. It made me feel as if I was actually there. I also had to point out that most of the books on my Cool Lane are either fantasy or realistic fiction. I don’t usually like non-fiction books. But, I really liked this book. I think that it is because the way the author wrote this book has sort of a storytelling voice that makes it sound adventurous.

What Didn't I Like About This Book? There is nothing in this book that I don’t like.

Does This Belong On My Cool Lane Or Not? Uh, yes, I believe so.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Title: The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

 

This is the second book I read from the set of books my teacher let me borrow.

 

What is it About? This book is about a boy named Homer. It is set during the American Civil War. Homer has an uncle who illegally sold Homer’s brother to the North, or the Union. (They are the people who wanted slavery abolished). Homer runs away in search of his brother. Along the way, he meets many people, tricksters, and scallywags. He also meets some friends and nice people. He finally gets some clues that lead him to The Battle of Gettysburg. He finds his brother in the war. But is he too late? I won’t tell you. You have to read the book yourself.

What Did I Like About This Book?  I liked the feeling of adventure in this book. I’ve read books a lot longer than this one. However, I haven’t read a lot of books in which there is such a long plot line. Problems, Solutions, and Problems again. It was also very funny. If you are a reader who loves laughing and at the same time learning about what life was like during the Civil War, you will love this book.

What Didn't I Like About This Book? I didn't like the part where Homer's brother gets sold to the Union. I know the author wrote that to made the plot make sense, but it was still sad. Something else that is sad is that during the Civil War times, these kind of things really did happen. I am very glad that that is something that does not happen now.

Does This Belong On My Cool Lane Or Not? In school, we learn something called context clues. It means that when you read something you don’t understand, you look around the context in order to figure it out. How about you try this out? Look around this post and see if you can figure out this mystery: Is this book on my Cool Lane?