An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the summer of 1793, residents of Philadelphia were struck by a mysterious disease. What began as with aches, chills and headache soon developed into high fever, bleeding gums and nose, vomiting, confusion, delirium and finally, death. As wealthier citizens fled the city, those without means and those concerned for their city stayed behind to help the ailing and manage life in the city.

Audience: 5th grade (age 10) and up

Age-appropriate booktalk
“Both the kids and the housekeeper next door died today. Yesterday it was the grocer, the banker, the garbage man and the kids around the corner. Even the doctor himself is a little sick. Do you want to try his treatment? You take some mercury and some root of jalap (they’re only a little poisonous). The side effects? Vomiting and diarrhea. But that’s better than the disease. Your symptoms include a terrible fever, black vomit, confusion, delirium, red bumps on the arms, bloodshot eyes and yellow skin. You have Yellow Fever.

This book, An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy, tells of one of the many times Yellow Fever swept through Philadelphia when our nation was young. No one knew what caused it, and it would be over a century before it would be linked to the mosquito, before public sanitation programs would be developed and before a vaccine would be developed. Read this book to learn how the disease ravaged Philadelphia, learn about unsung heroes and about everyday citizens trying to survive this deadly disease.”


Murphy uses primary sources to weave a narrative beginning with the first deaths attributed to the disease, following through to the political aftermath of confusion and finger pointing, and finally discussing the medical advances that have controlled Yellow Fever. The copies of newspapers, engravings and letters help support the story. At the start of each chapter the reader can review a list of the names, ages and occupations of the dead; read newspaper announcements for estate proceedings; and follow a debate carried out publicly in the paper over proper treatments of the disease.

How could I use this book?
History of early America; discussing epidemics and disease and the impact on modern society;

Read-alikes

Fever 1973 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Historical fiction account of a young girl’s experiences during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793 in Philadelphia.

The Great Fire by Jim Murphy
Nonfiction. An account of the great Chicago fire allegedly started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow. Told through the eyes of several survivors.

Graveyard Girl by Anna Myers
A young girl tends to the graveyard during the Yellow Fever epidemic in Memphis TN.

Path of the Pale Horse by Paul Fleischman
A boy is an apprentice to a doctor, who treats yellow fever victims in Philadelphia during the epidemic of 1793.

Awards
Newbery Honor (2004),
Sibert Medal (2004),
National Book Award Finalist (2004)

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