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

Bibliography

Murphy, Jim. 2011. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0395776082.

Brief plot summary

In 1793 Philadelphia, the nation's capital and the largest city, is plagued by an apparently incurable disease with an unknown cause. Murphy describes the illness known as yellow fever and the toll it took on the city's residents.

Critical analysis

This well-researched informational book takes the reader through the epidemic that plagued Philadelphia in 1793—from its detection, through its symptoms, treatments, and high number of deaths, how it affected the residents of Philadelphia, and what the city did to combat it. Murphy endeavors to tell the complete story by weaving together information about medical history with the political, economic, and social context in which the epidemic occurred. The reader experiences the yellow fever epidemic first hand through the words of those who were there and will be fascinated and horrified by the vivid details.

In the final chapter of the book Murphy deals with other epidemics of yellow fever, explains the nature of yellow fever, and tells how the disease was finally controlled. Readers are certain to come away with an appreciation for the medical advances that have occurred between then and now.

The included illustrations, portraits of key figures, maps, and pages from contemporary newspapers will help readers appreciate the setting and period of the epidemic. Sources are documented in an excellent annotated bibliography.

Review excerpts

"diverse voices...representative images...Everywhere, Murphy is attentive to telling detail...Thoroughly documented...the work is both rigorous and inviting."– Horn Book
"History, science, politics and public health come together in this dramatic account...brings the 'unshakeable unease' chillingly close."– Booklist

“A mesmerizing, macabre account...powerful evocative prose... compelling subject matter...fascinating discussion...valuable lesson in reading and writing history. Stellar.” – Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"solid research and a flair for weaving facts into fascinating stories...extensive and interesting...you'll have students hooked on history." – School Library Journal, Starred Review
"laudable insight...Readers view the panic from several vantage points...allows his audience to share the contemporary complexity...truly absorbing"– Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Starred Review

Awards / Best Books

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature Winner, 2004

National Book Award Finalist, 2003

John Newbery Medal Honor Book, 2004

Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Winner, 2004

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Winner, 2004

ALSC Great Middle School Reads, 2004

ALSC Notable Children’s Books, 2004

Booklist Top 10 Sci-Tech Books for Youth, 2003

NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students, K-12, 2005

School Library Journal Best Books, 2003

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2004

Classroom Connections

Design a cross-curricular unit that includes reading Laurie Halse Anderson’s book Fever, 1793 and An American Plague during the time when students are learning about the late-18^th century in Social Studies. Science class can focus on the medical aspects of the disease and in Math class students can create and interpret graphs related to the disease.

Students can create a timeline to use their higher order thinking skills to highlight the most important information and events that were a part of the yellow fever epidemic.

Other nonfiction books by Jim Murphy:

• Blizzard!: The Storm that Changed America – ISBN 978-0590673105.
• The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution – ISBN 978-0439691864
• The Great Fire – ISBN 978-0590472678.
• The Real Benedict Arnold – ISBN 978-0395776094
• A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy – ISBN 978-0395900192