Ambushed!: The Assassination Plot Against President Garfield

Winner of the 2022 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award

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 She reveals medical mistakes made in the aftermath of Garfield's assassination, including the faulty diagnoses and outdated treatments that led to the president's demise.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.

Gail Jarrow is the author of nonfiction books and novels for readers ages 8-18. Her nonfiction books have earned the Sibert Honor; the Orbis Pictus Honor; the YALSA Award Nomination for Excellence in Nonfiction; a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, Outstanding Science Trade Book; a NSTA Best STEM book; the Jefferson Cup Award; the Eureka! Gold Award; as well as Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal Best Books and VOYA Honor Book distinctions. You can find her at gailjarrow.com.