SKU: 15973600425

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

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American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 17932004 Sibert Medal Winner A 2004 Newbery Honor Book 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

2004 Sibert Medal Winner
A 2004 Newbery Honor Book

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.

An American Plague's numerous awards include a Sibert Medal, a Newbery Honor, and designation as a National Book Award Finalist. 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.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 06/23/2003
ISBN: 9780395776087
Pages: 192
Weight: 1.47lbs
Size: 9.76h x 7.28w x 0.71d
Award: Young Hoosier Book Award - Nominee
Award: Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - Winner
Award: James Madison Book - Winner
Award: Volunteer State Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Orbis Pictus Award - Winner
Award: Newbery Medal - Honor Book
Award: Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards - Winner
Award: National Book Awards - Finalist

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 03/10/2003 pg. 73
Kirkus Review - Children 04/01/2003 pg. 538
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2003 pg. 413
School Library Journal 06/01/2003 pg. 166
Booklist 06/01/2003 pg. 1757
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2003 pg. 436 - Superior,Well Above Average
Kirkus Review - Children 12/01/2003 pg. 1404
Voice of Youth Advocates 12/01/2003 pg. 428
Booklist 12/01/2003 pg. 678
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2003 pg. 48
New York Times 01/18/2004 pg. 19
ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/15/2004 pg. 1280
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/15/2004 pg. 1287
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2003 pg. 436 - Superior,Well Above Average
School Library Journal 10/01/2004

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 69054 / American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
Reading Level: 9 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 6
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SKU: 15973600425

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Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 3
It was alright
Format: Kindle
Pervious to this book, I had no knowledge of the struggles of the Chinese in the South during the post Civil War era. For that reason, I'm glad I read this book. I enjoyed that this book discussed and gave perspective on many social issues of that time. The main character is spunky and likable. There are many unbelievable scenes and conversations that I did not enjoy because they seemed too far-fetched. Why the author had to include a description of a naked man was also not to my liking. Worst of all, though, was the incredible number of similes in this book. There were just too many, and it got annoying. Overall, it was good enough to read, but I do not highly recommend it.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2023
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R. Kretchman
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
A Chinese in Atlanta
Format: Kindle
The Girl Downstairs was a charming book. Although the writing isn’t particularly sophisticated, it felt like Jo was letting us peek into the pages of her diary—raw, honest, and deeply personal. Her journey, as the main character, was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Through her eyes, we witness the simple beauty of connection and the ugly truth of prejudice that has plagued our country for far too long. It’s a powerful reminder that humanity should never be measured by the color of one’s skin. This is another great YA read—I highly recommend it.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2025
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C. Wong
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Atlanta During the 1890's
Format: Paperback
Whether you like The Downstairs Girl or not depends on what you crave. If you crave historical fiction that will teach you, or that helps you realize the myriad of things that were going on in a certian place and time (Atlanta during the 1890s, or an imaginative author who never use trite metaphors or similes, you will love this book. Or if you want to quickly turn pages, you will be disappointed. If you want a simple plot, do not read this book. If you want an intricately spun story with plenty of mystrey, humor and many surprises, you will love it. Jo Kuan is a Chinese American without voting rights, deStined to be a servang and doesn;t knw who her mother or father are, lives in a basement of a family with Old Gin who she thinks of as old man who adopted not offically but out of love. Chinese Americans were brought into the South after the Civil War to take over what slaves used to do but instead of no pay, they got tiny pay. You could walk or take a streetcar to work. Blacks sat the back of the streetcars, but if you were Chinese American, you didn't know where you sat or were told to gat off. They could not own or rent, where were you supposed to live; It was the start of Jim Crow laws and of cocoa cola. Women suffragettes started working towards the vote of white women. This was not a quiet oeriod of history. I thoroughly enjoyed this peak at Atlanta in the 1890's through an Asian American young woman's eyes, ears and even her nose.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2022
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Oscar Ibarra
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
simple to read and very helpful
Format: Kindle
Thank you, Mr. McLean for taking the time to write this book, it truly is helpful in our current situation in Las Vegas, NV.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2022
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Kindle Customer
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Recommended reading for whoever is/will applying to section 8
Format: Kindle
Good advices for those who need the government assistance. Very interesting and creative ways to successfully be granted with your vouch with the program. Thanks Mike! Well done!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2021

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