How Kate Warne Saved President Lincoln

February 1, 2016

Gr 2-4-A picture book account of Kate Warne, who in 1856 was hired by Allen Pinkerton, founder of the famous detective agency and a protector of President Lincoln. As a detective, Warne used disguises and deceptions and was very successful in capturing lawbreakers. In 1861, she played a vital role in uncovering a plot to assassinate the president as he passed through Baltimore on his way to Washington, DC. In order to foil the plot, Lincoln followed Pinkerton's advice and slipped unannounced into the city. Warne traveled with the president-elect on the train from Philadelphia to Baltimore and played an essential part in Lincoln's safe arrival in the nation's capital. The pages are filled with colorful drawings, and readers will appreciate the wide-eyed, cartoonlike characters. VERDICT An interesting story about a woman who played an important role in our nation's history.-Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2016
Van Steenwyk introduces Kate Warne, whose determined skill secured her spot in U.S. history as the country's first woman detective. In 1856, the enterprising young white woman persuaded Allan Pinkerton, head of the country's pre-eminent detective agency, to hire her. Warne convinced Pinkerton that a woman could gain access to situations and information that male detectives couldn't. As a detective, Warne used disguises and false identities at social events. In fancy gowns and, sometimes, disguised as a fortuneteller, Warne gained the confidences of wives of businessmen and politicians. In 1860, Pinkerton learned of a rumored plot to assassinate President-elect Lincoln in Baltimore, en route from Illinois to his inauguration in Washington. Pinkerton assigned Warne an important role in thwarting the assassination. She infiltrated a Baltimore group called the Golden Circle, confirming the plot. While Pinkerton informed the president, Kate warned one of Lincoln's confidants. Van Steenwyk succinctly details the elaborate counterplan, in which Lincoln altered his multicity itinerary and even donned a disguise himself to throw off the hunt. Warne rose at Pinkerton, directing both male and female detectives and heading the agency's Washington office during the Civil War. In contrast to crisp text, Belloni's stylized illustrations are a digital miasma of cartoon colors, layered textures, and Disney-fied features and gowns. Eyes, especially, are large, dilated, and kittenish. Sadly, Van Steenwyk's affirming narrative and important subject are matched with out-of-sync art. (note, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 5-8)

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February 1, 2016
Grades K-3 Van Steenwyk gives youngsters a look at the life of Kate Warne, the first female detective in the U.S. and employee of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, focusing on her role in getting Abraham Lincoln safely to Washington, D.C., for his 1861 inauguration. This brief biography takes readers through some of Warne's early career, highlighting her knack for working undercover. Bright digital illustrations show Warne pretending to be a fortune-teller and party-going socialite while trying to crack different cases. Her biggest success came four years into her career, when she played a pivotal role in thwarting an assassination attempt on Lincoln's life, as he traveled to the capital to be sworn into office. Van Steenwyk appropriately paints the story with excitement and intrigue, and she includes how Warne's success as a detective helped create more opportunities for women. Some vocabulary will be beyond beginning readers (inaugural, secessionist, etc.), but Warne's fascinating exploits and penchant for disguise will easily hold their attention. An author's note offers additional information on Warne's life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)