Awards: 2004
Newbery Honor Book; 2003
National Book Awards Young People's Lit. Finalist; Robert F. Sibert Informational
Children's Book Award Winner
Author: Jim Murphy
Binding: Hardcover
Pub Date: June 2003
Target Age Group: 5th Grade to 9th Grade
Publisher Marketing:
1793, Philadelphia. The nation"s capital and the largest city in North
America is devastated by an apparently incurable disease, cause unknown . .
.
In a powerful, dramatic narrative, critically acclaimed author Jim Murphy describes
the illness known as yellow fever and the toll it took on the city"s residents,
relating the epidemic to the major social and political events of the day and
to 18th-century medical beliefs and practices. Drawing on first-hand accounts,
Murphy spotlights the heroic role of Philadelphia"s free blacks in combating
the disease, and the Constitutional crisis that President Washington faced when
he was forced to leave the city--and all his papers--while escaping the deadly
contagion. The search for the fever"s causes and cure, not found for more
than a century afterward, provides a suspenseful counterpoint to this riveting
true story of a city under siege.
Thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints,
and unflinching in its discussion of medical details, this book offers a glimpse
into the conditions of American cities at the time of our nation"s birth
while drawing timely parallels to modern-day epidemics. Bibliography, map, index.
Review Quotes:
"superbly written...represents nonfiction at its best...extremely accessible
and readable...captivating...an outstanding annotated bibliography...an excellent
choice" VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES (VOYA)
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