GENRE: Nonfiction
HONORS: The Robert F. Siebert Medal, Newbery Honor Book, and National Book Award Finalist
REVIEW: Saturday, August 3, 19793 marked the beginning of a terrible Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia. Jim Murphy follows the epidemic from beginning through the next six months and then beyond to other outbreaks and the eventual discovery of its cause. The book follows the reactions of the citizens of Philadelphia, the help given by the Free African Society, and the hospital at Bush Hill. Of particular interest was the debate between the doctors of Philadelphia not only as to the cause of the epidemic but also the correct course of treatment. Jim Murphy took what could have been a dry topic and put the reader right in the middle of the action.
OPINION: Jim Murphy did a lot of research and it showed. I loved how he incorporated journal entries, newspaper articles, other events in surrounding areas, and how the plague affected George Washington and other historical figures and our government at the time. Although not usually a nonfiction fan I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
IDEAS: Students could study other epidemics and outbreaks and the "cures" at the time. Students could make a timeline of the events of the 1793 outbreak.
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