Who Broke Lincoln's Thumb (Capital Mysteries Series #5) Book

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Early chapter book mystery series set in landmarks of Washington, D.C. from the author of the popular A To Z mystery series.

Kathie M. Josephs - Children's Literature

Being a lover of the mystery genre, it always gives me pleasure to read a mystery for children. A big celebration is going to take place at the White House honoring the sculptor who carved the Lincoln Memorial. The two protagonists, KC and Marshall, share equal talent for solving the mystery. KC's step-father happens to be the President of the United States, and being KC's best friend, Marshall spends a great deal of time hanging out there. On the morning of the celebration, a man and woman were standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial taking pictures and the man noticed that the thumb on the hand of the sculpture was missing. KC and Marshall begin their investigation. They notice that there is a red mark on the place where the thumb used to be. With logical deduction, the two narrow the possible thieves down to three people. I do not want to give hints away, as the readers needs to come to their own conclusion as to who is the guilty party. This is where I must say that there is one shortcoming in this book: the President's daughter and her friend roamed areas of Washington with no security guards. Nevertheless, this particular mystery has many excellent features that override the negative. The illustrations found throughout the book are great and add enjoyment to the mystery. On the first two pages of the book, the author presents a map with illustrations pointing out all the important locations that KC and Marshall go to gather evidence. The author is very adept in presenting clues to the reader that honestly make a good case for each suspect to possibly be guilty. It does have a surprise ending. At the end of the book is a section called "Did You Know," giving interesting facts aboutLincoln and the Lincoln Memorial. This high-interest, low-level book is number five in the "Capital Mysteries" series. I do highly recommend this mystery. 2005, Random House, Ages 6 to 8.