Sheinkin has done it again, delivering a beautifully written, fast-paced, cinematic, true-story packed with fascinating historic details. Gold fever had ebbed, fortunes had been made, and San Francisco was a boom town in 1870 when two small time miners stepped into the office of an investor, needing his safe to store a sack that must be locked up and keep secret. Poured out on the desk were a pile of rough stones – diamonds! Chad’s deft, greyscale cartoons engage and ground readers. A visual cast of characters helps keep the complex story straight, and multi-page comics introduce each of the six parts of the story. Sheinken’s exemplary research and framing deliver both a rip-roaring adventure and a window into momentous moments in U.S. history, as the Civil War settled, the frontier was mapped, the coasts were joined, and the gilded age emerged. Backmatter includes an epilogue, author’s note, source notes, and bibliography. Most characters are white, but African-American’s and Native Americans are part of the story.

This was a fun (and informative!) read. Sheinkin has a way not only of making history come alive, but does so in a way that is highly entertaining. He chose a well-known time and event in history - The Gold Rush - but told a much lesser known story about those searching for diamonds. In doing so he wove in tales of the "wild west" including train robberies, well-known criminals of the day, and more. This story of intrigue and deception will draw readers in. I think kids are going to love this story!

Sheinkin's Diamond Fever! is edutainment in the best way possible. Telling the story of how two (and possibly more?) 1870s con artists scammed America's elite out of huge amounts of money via an elaborate scheme involving the 'discovery' of a diamond mine in the American West, Sheinkin brings readers on a kid-friendly Ocean's 11-type plot with twists, turns, and key highlights to other important historical events happening at the same time. Occasional graphic novel style mini-chapters and other comedic illustrations peppered throughout will keep readers turning the pages all the while they are learning about important figures, attitudes, and events of America's Gilded Age. Particularly with the similarities of the current US political and economic system to that era, Diamond Fever! is highly relevant for today's young readers.

What a wild adventure! All the more fun because it is true! I couldn’t put it down and I cannot wait to share this one with my students! I loved all of the extra historical tidbits and was fascinated by the actual story. You’re going to want this one on your shelves! So glad it was highlighted at Middle Grade Magic!