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Available
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Publication
Clarion Books (2003), Hardcover, 176 pages
Description
It's 1793, and there's an invisible killer roaming the streets of Philadelphia. The city's residents are fleeing in fear. This killer has a name--yellow fever--but everything else about it is a mystery. Its cause is unknown and there is no cure. This powerful dramatic account by award-winning author Jim Murphy traces the devastating course of the epidemic. An American Plague offers a fascinating glimpse into the conditions in American cities at the time of our nation's birth while drawing thought-provoking parallels to modern-day epidemics.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Whisper1
In this 2004 Newbery Honor book, the author makes history come alive. As always, when I read a book wherein I learn about a particular subject, I'm intrigued to learn more.
The summer of 1793 brought death came to more than ten percent of the population of Philadelphia, PA. When the yellow fever
This book is excellently researched and it meticulously portrays not only the devastation of the yellow fever, but in addition, the reader has a clear sense Philadelphia's role in the early beginnings of American democracy.
The summer was exceedingly hot, the mosquitoes were plentiful, the air was close and putrid as waste filled the streets and alleyways. For blocks the stench of waste permeated the air as a huge shipment of coffee rotted on the shipping dock.
Originally striking the poor, the rich believed themselves exempt. Though suddenly, the yellow fever showed no discrimination. Those wealthy enough to flee to the countryside did so, leaving a newly formed government struggling to dispose of waste, help those who were dying, and run the government with few officials.
President George Washington fled, and in doing so, a constitutional crisis ensued.
Admirably, there were heroes who could have left, but stayed behind to help the afflicted. Prominent doctors struggled to find the cause and cure for the sudden outbreak. Panic ensued as they argued, and as bodies piled high and as food supply became dangerously low, the social fabric fell apart.
On the front line was the Free African Society. Founded in 1787 with the mission to help members who were poor, this incredibly brave, self sacrificing group, nursed the sick, cared for the parent less children and buried the dead, sadly, tragically, history shows that despite their incredible efforts, they were later condemned for their contributions.
Highly recommended
The summer of 1793 brought death came to more than ten percent of the population of Philadelphia, PA. When the yellow fever
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abated, estimates are that at least five thousand died within a few months time.This book is excellently researched and it meticulously portrays not only the devastation of the yellow fever, but in addition, the reader has a clear sense Philadelphia's role in the early beginnings of American democracy.
The summer was exceedingly hot, the mosquitoes were plentiful, the air was close and putrid as waste filled the streets and alleyways. For blocks the stench of waste permeated the air as a huge shipment of coffee rotted on the shipping dock.
Originally striking the poor, the rich believed themselves exempt. Though suddenly, the yellow fever showed no discrimination. Those wealthy enough to flee to the countryside did so, leaving a newly formed government struggling to dispose of waste, help those who were dying, and run the government with few officials.
President George Washington fled, and in doing so, a constitutional crisis ensued.
Admirably, there were heroes who could have left, but stayed behind to help the afflicted. Prominent doctors struggled to find the cause and cure for the sudden outbreak. Panic ensued as they argued, and as bodies piled high and as food supply became dangerously low, the social fabric fell apart.
On the front line was the Free African Society. Founded in 1787 with the mission to help members who were poor, this incredibly brave, self sacrificing group, nursed the sick, cared for the parent less children and buried the dead, sadly, tragically, history shows that despite their incredible efforts, they were later condemned for their contributions.
Highly recommended
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LibraryThing member ShelbyJoMcKay
This book is the collection of events and letters by those who were impacted by the 1793 Plague of Yellow Fever in Philadelphia. The disease was treated by many different doctors many different ways. Their practices were often those of supersticious acts or myths of the day. Many died; the number
This was pretty boring. I am not sure I would use it with a Young Adult class unless they were doing research papers. It is very historical, but much more medical. I believe it would be of good use to compare our government then to now.
I read the book in one afternoon. I did not know of many of the old medical practices, and was amazed by all of the claims they made to cure the disease. I feel like so many common people possess more abundent sense of medical knowledge in today's society. The book was very informative, but hardly enthralling.
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is unknown. The disease redefined the city of Philadelphia and our nation. The disease was contracted many summers after this and throughout the United States. Its cause was found much later and was finally realized as the mosquito.This was pretty boring. I am not sure I would use it with a Young Adult class unless they were doing research papers. It is very historical, but much more medical. I believe it would be of good use to compare our government then to now.
I read the book in one afternoon. I did not know of many of the old medical practices, and was amazed by all of the claims they made to cure the disease. I feel like so many common people possess more abundent sense of medical knowledge in today's society. The book was very informative, but hardly enthralling.
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LibraryThing member MeganLuke
This book is an account of the Yellow Fever epidemic that plagued Philadelphia in the summer of 1793. It is written like a narrative telling the events as seen by eye witnesses (through their journal entries, letters, newspapers).
LibraryThing member PaigeMcIlwain
The American Plague takes readers on a journey through the history of yellow fever in America. This emerged by haunting the citizens of Philadelphia. The residents were haunted by the disease. Many removed themselves from Philadelphia, some watched their entire families die, and others suffered the
This book would be a fantastic classroom resource to use with middle school students. As one reads, a timeline begins to occur, not just of the disease, but of the political actions taking place during this time period. A class could map out this timeline in order to better grasp the evolution of the disease. In addition, this book is packed with statistics and facts. I never could have imagined the number of deaths or impact that yellow fever had on families in the United States. This information would be quite valuable to a Social Studies class. Students could begin to better place themselves in the place of those from such a different culture and time period. This book could even be used in a science class. The teacher could discuss the biological effects of the disease and details about the transmission of the disease. Many lessons could emerge from this book.
I gained incalculable knowledge from An American Plague. The book not only offered facts, but it truly evoked emotions as it described personal losses and situations of families. People died with no one to comfort them. On the other hand, people died will crowded in small spaces with others plagued by the disease. Neither situation offers comfort. I never fathomed what a struggle it was to rid people and rid the area of the disease. In addition, I did not comprehend the time span that the disease lingered in the United States. All of the statistics were shocking, and this book was truly a reality check for me.
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illness with no one to help or take care of them. Very few people were willing to fight this epidemic and the city nearly collapsed due to a lack of support; however, a some very devoted citizens, leaders, and the Free African Society devoted their lives to restoring the city. The cause of yellow fever was a topic of confusion for over a century. People could not fathom that such a lethal disease could emerge from a small insect such as the mosquito, but once again, devoted citizens worked to prove this theory and better protect the people of the world.This book would be a fantastic classroom resource to use with middle school students. As one reads, a timeline begins to occur, not just of the disease, but of the political actions taking place during this time period. A class could map out this timeline in order to better grasp the evolution of the disease. In addition, this book is packed with statistics and facts. I never could have imagined the number of deaths or impact that yellow fever had on families in the United States. This information would be quite valuable to a Social Studies class. Students could begin to better place themselves in the place of those from such a different culture and time period. This book could even be used in a science class. The teacher could discuss the biological effects of the disease and details about the transmission of the disease. Many lessons could emerge from this book.
I gained incalculable knowledge from An American Plague. The book not only offered facts, but it truly evoked emotions as it described personal losses and situations of families. People died with no one to comfort them. On the other hand, people died will crowded in small spaces with others plagued by the disease. Neither situation offers comfort. I never fathomed what a struggle it was to rid people and rid the area of the disease. In addition, I did not comprehend the time span that the disease lingered in the United States. All of the statistics were shocking, and this book was truly a reality check for me.
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LibraryThing member Collene_Kuznicki
This is the most personalized, emotional, detailed account of disease that I have ever read. I loved the way the author introduces us to the real life characters in detail, including their motivations, interests, and families. He shows us the disease through their eyes, making us feel very involved
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in the story. The narrative style moves along a fluid timeline, tracking the epidemic from its origins to its inevitable conclusion with the onset of winter. Along the way, the author delves deeply into the disease’s effects on government, politics, medical care, and city maintenance. Then he gives us a glimpse of life after the epidemic, and how much Philadelphia has changed because of it. Only at the end of the story does he give us the real scientific facts about what how the disease originates and is spread. This means that until the last chapter, we are as puzzled about the disease as the people who are living through it. This really helps the reader to feel involved with the characters, by keeping us on their level of knowledge until the very end. This book would make excellent across-the-curriculum research material for the middle school or high school student, since it is a study in science, social studies, and language arts. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bogle3
In An American Plague: The True and Terrifying story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic, the author wrote a narrative on the whole story of the Yellow Fever epidemic. It tells the story of how many families had to deal with being sick but some families were lucky to get to leave the city. However, some
The two themes that teachers can pull from this book is the obvious history theme and the ways that the students can avoid getting the plague. The obvious history connection is there within the whole book. The teacher can talk about the time period and the the medical help that the people had during that time. After she does this, she can then tie in that the ways that students can avoid getting Yellow Fever. The author gives tips inside the book.
I did not particularly enjoy this book as much as i have enjoyed the other books that I have read this semester. It was just a little boring for me, however it was very educational. I probably would have never known all of that unless I read this book.
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were not. The families that were not lucky enough to get to leave had to deal with if getting sick, they had to disinfect their everything with vinegar and even bathing in the vinegar. The story also tells us how some members of the black community helped with the sick. This story gives us an insight to how the people of Philadelphia dealt with this epidemic and the many different issues they had to deal with during the epidemic.The two themes that teachers can pull from this book is the obvious history theme and the ways that the students can avoid getting the plague. The obvious history connection is there within the whole book. The teacher can talk about the time period and the the medical help that the people had during that time. After she does this, she can then tie in that the ways that students can avoid getting Yellow Fever. The author gives tips inside the book.
I did not particularly enjoy this book as much as i have enjoyed the other books that I have read this semester. It was just a little boring for me, however it was very educational. I probably would have never known all of that unless I read this book.
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LibraryThing member perihan
This is a story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 in Philadelphia. I believe the author, Jim Murphy, wrote this story to enlighten people on the plague of 1793 that was caused by mosquitoes and killed an estimated four to five thousands of people. He knew that no one has written a book about the
The book is research based, gives details and copies of actual newspaper clippings of the time, and displays the role of the government’s dealing of the disease. I think this book does not have just one greatest value. Everything in it; the information, readability, and the illustrations altogether give this book a great value.
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yellow fewer. He also wanted to warn people about the possibility of an occurrence of similar epidemics in our present time. I felt for all those people who died during that time, who felt helpless trying to help like Dr. Benjamin Rush, and especially the black people of Philadelphia who tried to nurse ill people without thinking of escaping slavery or without thinking of catching the disease themselves. I also feel fortunate that I did not live at that time, but it is very scary to know that even today we still do not have a cure for yellow fever. The book is research based, gives details and copies of actual newspaper clippings of the time, and displays the role of the government’s dealing of the disease. I think this book does not have just one greatest value. Everything in it; the information, readability, and the illustrations altogether give this book a great value.
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LibraryThing member Meggo
An unbelievably quick read, this book had Big Print and Lots of Pictures. I suspect that it was not actually targeted at my age group, that is, "old enough to know better". Still, the book was an educational look at a late 18th century yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia. George Washington was
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still President and humeral theory ruled medicine, so you can imagine the primitive state of medical care available to sufferers. Well researched, but written in a very simple style at a rather basic level, I finished this one in less than an afternoon. Worth reading, though, if you're a "plague" junkie like me. Show Less
LibraryThing member SandSing7
A very insightful book not only about the history of Phildelphia, but the sequence of mini-discoveries that led to the realization that mosquitos and other insects were responsible for carrying disease, which is something that's simply taken for granted now. Most importantly, the book was written
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well, giving all the information of a textbook or formal report but with a readibility that was far above other information imparting texts. Highly recommended as summer reading for a 7th, 8th, or 9th grade history class. Show Less
LibraryThing member isaacfellows
I've never been a big reader of pre-20th century history, but if more of it were like this book then I might. What Jim Murphy does so well is his sifting through the historical material and building a narrative that does not gloss over anything but also does not get bogged down. Of especial
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interest to me in this work was the heroic role of the Free Africa Society in caring for the sick and dying in Yellow Fever-stricken Philadelphia. They show me one of history's functions: that many of those who came before us deserve to be remembered. Show Less
LibraryThing member xOxKyLiExOx1997
This was an insteresting book. Well, I haven't finished it yet and it has been a while since I have read it. Some of it was gory, but all in all was very interesting. I had no idea about a plague that spread throughout the USA during the eighteenth centruy. I would recommend this to history lovers
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and medical lovers. Show Less
LibraryThing member paraespanol
This was a great and detailed book as an introduction to the historical event. I liked the quotes, newspaper showings, and the sense of being there when it all happened. It was so detailed and showed so many points of views, I really enjoyed it and learned a lot.
LibraryThing member dg_turner
A very informative book about the Yellow Fever epidemic which hit Philadelphia in 1793. This book covers everything from the symptoms of the illness to the doctors who disagreed about treatments. It also covers what was happening politically at the time. The book has a chronological approach and is
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very easy to read and follow. Show Less
LibraryThing member allie_mansfield
This book is good for references on th Yellow Fever. I didn't care for the fluidity of the text. It was difficult to understand at times. I felt like there could have been better photographs to describe what had taken place in the late 1700's.
LibraryThing member ffox
Really cool. This book is well structured, compelling, great illustrations, and fun. The history lesson is centered around a yellow fever outbreak in the early American Capital of Philadelphia. Murphy provides the reader with information on the people, the heroes (of all races), the villains, and
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even the gory details of the disease itself. Show Less
LibraryThing member ejones0603
This book is about the outbreak of Yellow Fever in the 1700's. It provides information on Yellow Fever, the people who got infected, and the people who figured the disease out. The book provided some photos during that time. It gave a good description of what happened when the epidemic happened to
The book was okay. It was kind of hard to read and understand what was going on.
I would use this book to read during a week talking about diseases. This would be a good book to help explain about how disease spreads.
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the U.S.The book was okay. It was kind of hard to read and understand what was going on.
I would use this book to read during a week talking about diseases. This would be a good book to help explain about how disease spreads.
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LibraryThing member BrennaSheridan
In the late 1700's, a plague known as The Yellow Fever took over areas of the United States, leaving tens of thousands dead. This book primarily focuses on Philadelphia, PA. It covers the fear and panic this disease caused, as well as the strength and courage of citizens and doctors to save their
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city. This is a powerful, true story of devastation and rebirth. Show Less
LibraryThing member tpedroza
A thorough introspection of how the Fever Epidemic began and spread throughout Philidephia in 1793. Describes how the doctors of the times disagreed on the diagnosis of the illness and spread so quickly and killed so many. Recounts how many of our medical advances of today were not even on the
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horizon during those times (Microscopic germs causes sickness? Preposterous!) Show Less
LibraryThing member trisha1
This book follows the account of the yellow fever epidemic through presenting each chapter as journal style account of the spread of the illness. Included are drawings, maps, newspaper reproductions and an extensive list of sources used for the book. This would be a great non-fiction book to pair
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with the historical novel, Fever by Laurie Halse Anderson. Show Less
LibraryThing member slmturner
This story recounts the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia during 1793. It gives great details of the geography of Philadelphia during that time period, the daily life of the citizens, as well as politics. It describes the city and the horrid smells so vividly that would make one wonder how the
The reason I checked out this book was because I read the fictional book "Fever 1793" by Laruie Halse Anderson and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to learn more about the yellow fever. Jim Murphy does a wonderful job of providing non-fictional information about the yellow fever of 1793 as well as the citizens of Philadelphia, the doctors, and additional information about the people who tried to find out the cause of yellow fever. He even includes illustrations from that time period to help illustrate the life back then. Jim Murphy gives many references at the end of the book to do further research. I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to by a personal copy.
This would be a good book to use during a history lesson about Philadelphia or George Washington. It could be read to the class as extra information. Students could learn about George Washington's part during the yellow fever epidemic. The teacher could also use some of the information from this book to emphasize the impact that mosquitoes have to the human race during a science lesson. This book would also be good reference material to use for a report.
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citizens could stand it. It goes on to describe the first few cases of yellow fever all the way to present day. The story also details the doctors' odd remedies to cure the fever and tells how long it took for someone to finally figure out the cause of the fever. It gives accounts of the Free African Society and their generous contributions to the citizens of Philadelphia in their time of need. This story has a lot of interesting information about the yellow fever of 1793 as well as a brief account of what actions were taken to help prevent further epidemics.The reason I checked out this book was because I read the fictional book "Fever 1793" by Laruie Halse Anderson and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to learn more about the yellow fever. Jim Murphy does a wonderful job of providing non-fictional information about the yellow fever of 1793 as well as the citizens of Philadelphia, the doctors, and additional information about the people who tried to find out the cause of yellow fever. He even includes illustrations from that time period to help illustrate the life back then. Jim Murphy gives many references at the end of the book to do further research. I enjoyed this book so much that I plan to by a personal copy.
This would be a good book to use during a history lesson about Philadelphia or George Washington. It could be read to the class as extra information. Students could learn about George Washington's part during the yellow fever epidemic. The teacher could also use some of the information from this book to emphasize the impact that mosquitoes have to the human race during a science lesson. This book would also be good reference material to use for a report.
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LibraryThing member delias
This well researched account of the Yellow Fever Epidemic from 1793 Philadelphia will capture readers with its many relevant illustrations depicting original documents and paintings to support the terrifying story. It is clearly and well-written that could appeal to both middle school and high
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school students. It describes some of the beliefs and practices of the time, such as blood-letting and the state of personal and public hygeine that made conditions for the disease possible. For example, people did not bathe much. One woman had waited 28 years to take a bath! The book could support the curriculum for both science and early American studies. Its primary focus is upon health science, but with so much historical information we also learn facts about daily life and little known people of Philadelphia of that time. This fascinating book is highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member TeddyR
An American Plague is a wonderful work of non-fiction. The book describes the true story of the Yellow Plague in Philadelphia, PA in 1793. Real life figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are discussed. An American Plague makes a point to talk about the couragious and selfless acts
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of African Americans during the plague and how they were treated after the plague diminished. It also talks about how doctors eventually found the cause of Yellow Fever. Modern problems with Yellow Fever is also discussed in a non alarmist way. May take a little prodding to get started, but the book is hard to put down once begun. Show Less
LibraryThing member amandacb
An American Plague is a well-written and eye-opening detailed account of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in the autumn of 1793. Murphy can certainly turn a phrase; case in point: "Water cascaded off roofs, splashed loudly onto the sidewalks, and ran in burbling rivers through the streets.
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The howling wind and pounding rain made a frightful noise, and yet through it all a single, chilling sound could still be heard--the awful tolling of the church bells." Since Murphy's language is sophisticated, the account would be better suited for advanced and older intermediate readers (i.e., grades 6-8). It would also be well-used as an excerpted read-aloud during a science or health class. Show Less
LibraryThing member eevers
This resource is full of authentic sketches and articles, tracing the origin and effects of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. Its scary how small events culminated into such a devastating plague.
LibraryThing member kkcrossley
Fascinating study of the 1793 epidemic. Filled with pictures of the times and you really understand how devastating this was and how difficult to understand. It spread so rapidly.
Subjects
Awards
National Book Award (Finalist — Young People's Literature — 2003)
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (Winner — Nonfiction — 2004)
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee — Middle Grade — 2007)
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (2003)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2005-2006)
Newbery Medal (Honor Book — 2004)
Orbis Pictus Award (Winner — 2004)
Margaret A. Edwards Award (2010)
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (Winner — 2004)
James Madison Book Award (Winner — 2004)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2004)
Read Aloud Indiana Book Award (Middle School — 2004)
Notable Children's Book (2004)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2003
Physical description
176 p.; 9.76 inches
ISBN
0395776082 / 9780395776087
UPC
046442776080