Bibliographic Information:
Title: Ambushed!: The Assassination Plot Against President Garfield (Medical Fiascoes)
Author: Gail Jarrow
ISBN: 9781684378142
Publisher: Calkins Creek, Pennsylvania
Copyright Date: 2021
Genre: Non-fiction
Format: Print Book/eBook
Awards/Honors:
2022 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award
Reading Level/Interest Level: Ages 13+
Plot Summary:
On July 2nd, 1881, President James Garfield was planning on taking a train to join his wife Lucretia in New Jersey after her recovery from malaria: Charles Guiteau was planning on getting Vice President Chester Arthur in the Oval Office by assassinating Garfield. Guiteau had “helped” Garfield and Arthur win the election by writing a singular pamphlet and thought he deserved a civic position to be awarded to him. At the time, it was common for the President to place those loyal to him in positions around the country: Guiteau naturally assumed he would be one of them. When that never happened he assumed that Garfield was a traitor, and that Arthur would make the better President. So with a plan in place, a shotgun in hand, and a letter reading to America that he had done what God called him to do, he took aim and shot. What followed next would be the most agonizing months of Garfield's life.
Author Background:
Gail Jarrow started her life writing stories for fun and taking care of an array of animals: as an adult she received her B.A. in zoology and would later become a teacher. Jarrow eventually decided to combine her passions and began writing both novels and non-fiction about animals, and has now transitioned into a “medical fiasco” series where she writes the history of events that took place and how they were medically malpracticed. Jarrow hopes to continue to learn about intriguing people and to tell their stories, wishing to expand her different series’ for children, preteens and teens alike to enjoy (About Gail - Gail Jarrow).
Critical Evaluation:
While the book is part of a series (Medical Fiascoes) it works incredibly well as a standalone novel. Although historical in nature, the book reads as a narrative making it seem more like a story being told rather than like a history book that will lull its reader to sleep. The novel is entertaining with the usage of imagery to help the reader see who is being talked about, as well as the locations mentioned. The inclusion of a glossary of terms used in the book (specifically medical ones) that may not be common to readers was also an amazing addition as it was useful to turn to throughout the novel.
Ambushed! was slightly unlike most history books I have read because Jarrow did not use any citations within the novel: she simply stated things in which the reader must trust. This is my biggest criticism of the book, as teaching young adults to think critically is an important aspect of providing materials as a librarian. Having a historical novel that seems to rely on “trust me” as a citation is far less than ideal, and I wish that there were sources listed other than photos.
Creative Use for a Library Program:
What a perfect time to do another trivia night, but this time with fun facts about presidents! For students in American History classes this will be a great way to refresh their memory, and for others to learn and guess new things. I would not do anything too “normal” pers e, but rather go for actual fun facts - like actual pets that certain presidents had at the White House (an alligator)!
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer:
The attempted (and eventual successful) assassination of President Garfield did not take long: it was the preparation and the actual dying part that took weeks to months. Charles Guiteau could not seem to decide on a time and place to kill the newly inaugurated President, just like the infection that ravaged Garfield's body after the shooting could not seem to kill him as fast as it wanted to. Even today there are still debates on whether or not Guiteau’s bullet is what killed the President, or if it was the medical maladies that were a part of his “recovery” that killed him. Either way, Garfield became the second President to ever be assassinated, and it was all because he was ambushed by Guiteau and bacteria.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:
This book was a difficult one to come up with a potential challenge issue because at first all I could think of was, “why would someone argue against a historically accurate nonfiction book being placed in the library?” Then I realized, that is exactly what they would argue against. If anything I could see people having issues with the fact that Jarrow considers the care by doctors that Garfield received as a medical fiasco. Some may argue that is incorrect because they were using the medically correct information at the time. As Jarrow argues, they were actually not using medically correct information and instead were ignoring advances in medicine that could have saved the President. I would defend the book by stating that their concerns are met within the novel itself, and that reading the book will give them the answers that they seem to be looking for.
Reason for Inclusion:
It has been difficult finding good nonfiction books that are specifically for young adults: when I went to a Barnes and Noble to look at their selection it had only three shelves. THREE! Due to this I am trying to find as many interesting nonfiction books as possible, especially ones that have history lessons to them as it can be difficult to get young adults interested in history at all. I am happy I was able to find this one, and grateful that it will make the section hopefully longer than three shelves.
References:
About Gail — Gail Jarrow. (2024, March 19). Gail Jarrow. https://www.gailjarrow.com/about
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