My Words on Children's Literature

Genre 4 NONFICTION AND BIOGRAPHY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Murphy, Jim. 2003. AN AMERICAN PLAGUE. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0395776082.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Philadelphia, in 1793, was a seat of government and commerce. The Yellow Fever epidemic stealthily crept up on this great city as the people went about their daily business. Beginning with a young French sailor and then quietly progressing through a boarding house, the church bells began ringing more often and then the doctors began comparing notes. As soon as the fever was named, thousands fled the city. The epidemic was quickly out of control and few leaders remained to help. Doctors argued over treatment. Thousands died a horrible death, but heroes emerged, most notably the Free African Society.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Murphy re-creates the environment of Philadelphia with sights and sounds. He sets the tone by describing the busy-ness of this capitol city that does not notice what is beginning to happen. The reader feels the panic and fear building as specific details of real people are woven into the narrative: the often terrible ending of those who stayed and the relief of those who fled. The inclusion of diary entries emphasizes the reality of this story and also underscores accuracy. "Isaac Wharton and family are moved out of Town, P. Hartshorne's family, and Neighr Waln's also out; the inhabitants are leaving the City in great numbers." The organization of the book is chronological in that it begins at the beginning revealing events and unfolding knowledge in the order that it happened. While there is not a visual on every page, there is some visual on nearly every opening. Archival prints, photos, contemporary newspaper facsimiles that include lists of the dead illustrate this tragic story, reinforce accuracy, and bring this episode in history to life.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal:
"solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories...extensive and interesting...you'll have students hooked on history."

Booklist: "History, science, politics and public health come together in this dramatic account...brings the 'unshakeable unease' chillingly close."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Gather books about great tragedies in the United States. Discuss the leaders who helped solve and then rebuild.

Other related books:

*Anderson, Laurie Halse. FEVER 1793. ISBN 0689848919.

*Murphy, Jim. THE GREAT FIRE. ISBN 0439203074.

// posted by catalogblog @ 1:21 PM