About This Book
Steve Sheinkin, known for his engaging historical nonfiction, delves into the fascinating Great Diamond Hoax of 1872. This middle grade chapter book recounts how two con artists fooled investors into believing they'd discovered a massive diamond field in the American West, leading to a thrilling investigation to uncover the truth. With Sheinkin's signature blend of humor, meticulous research, and fast-paced storytelling, complemented by spot art and comic interstitials, this book makes complex history accessible and exciting. It's an excellent choice for readers aged 8-12 who enjoy true crime, historical mysteries, and stories about justice prevailing.
A fun, high-stakes nonfiction middle grade about the Great Diamond Hoax of 1872, by award-winning author Steve Sheinkin—featuring spot art and comic interstitials throughout. Perfect for fans of MONA LISA VANISHES!
deception_fraud
peril_danger
Discussion Prompts
1
What makes a story like the Great Diamond Hoax so captivating, even today?
2
How did the con artists manage to fool so many people, including experts?
3
What qualities did the people who exposed the hoax need to have?
4
Can you think of other historical events where truth was hard to find?
5
Why is it important to question things that seem too good to be true?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.