An american plague was one of the finalists in the 2003 national book award and was a 2004 newbery honor book. An american plague the true and terrifying story of the. Juvenile historical fiction published in 2000 recommended age group. Fever 1793 literary analysis young writers project. Laurie halse anderson yellow fever has stricken the city of philadelphia and caused most of the residents to flee to the country to reach fresh air. Fever 1793 by laurie halse anderson this fictional diary is the story of mattie, a teenager who lives in philadelphia at the time of the yellow fever epidemic that took the lives of up to this is the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of centered in philadelphia. Laurie halse andersons fever, 1793 is a novel about a fourteenyearold girl named matilda mattie cook who comes of age during the infamous yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia in 1793. Matilda is faced with many difficult tasks during the novel. Mattie is, for the most part, just a normal teenager. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 study unit worksheets for teachers to print. Yellow fever has stricken the city of philadelphia and caused most of the residents to flee to the country to reach fresh air. During the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia, 5,000 or more people were listed in the official register of deaths between august 1 and november 9. On august 19, 1793, the first fatality of yellow fever, peter aston, became a topic of general conversation according to mathew carey, irishborn american publisher and first hand witness. This quiz and worksheet is a helpful way to see how well you know the book fever, 1793 before moving on to other topics.
At first, many residents believed it was simply a common autumnal illness. Edwards award for her contribution to young adult literature, and fever 1793 is an american library association best book for young. Set during philadelphias yellow fever outbreak, fever 1793 is a young adult, historical fiction novel written by laurie halse anderson and first published in 2000. The yellow fever outbreak began in the beginning of august 1793, and the more individuals became sick and deceased, the more philadelphia citizens became frightened and fled the city. At the beginning of the book, she enjoys sleeping in and tries to shirk strenuous chores. The character of matilda mattie cook in fever 1793 from litcharts the creators of sparknotes. This study guide consists of approximately 50 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of fever 1793. It portrays the agony and pain this disease brought upon the american people marking its place in history in order to never be forgotten.
The yellow fever spread ferociously through the city and had great impact on decisions that stand today. It portrays the agony and pain this disease brought upon. Fever 1793 by laurie halse anderson bookworm burrow. In 1793 philadelphia, sixteenyearold matilda cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and selfreliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic. Yellow fever, or american plague as it was known at the time, is a viral disease that begins with fever and muscle pain. Luna was only when her parents died of yellow fever. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 2003 by jim murphy which, whatever your age, is also worth reading. When yellow fever takes over the city, mattie must accept responsibility in order to survive. Fever 1793 is based on the actual yellow fever epidemic that hit philadelphia and. Mattie cook is the main character, but this book also circulates around her mother, grandfather, and an african american exslave, eliza, who works at matties mothers coffeehouse. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 newbery honor book kindle edition by murphy, jim. Print a copy of the fever 1793 literature circle questions printable for each student. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 newbery honor book.
The vast majority of them died of yellow fever, making the epidemic in the city of 50,000 people one of the most severe in united states history. Fever 1793 by laurie halseanderson tells a powerful story about living morally under the shadow of rampant death. Oct 26, 2015 fever 1793 book trailer laurie halse anderson. Fever 1793 literary analysis in 1793, about 40,000 people lived in philadelphia, until yellow fever spread through the city. This epidemic infected and killed about 10% of the population, which at the time was about. With no money and no one, she became a servant to a very wealthy family, the richardsons. Published in 2000, fever 1793 is a young adult novel that tells the story of a 14yearold girl named mattie cook, who fights to survive the yellow fever epidemic. By using our site you consent to our use of cookies. I love historical fiction and this book was very interesting in describing the 1793 yellow fever plague in philadelphia through the eyes of young 14 year old mattie. In 1793, yellow fever swept through philadelphia, killing over 5,000 people, young and old.
An epidemic of yellow fever, which struck the city in august of 1793 and lasts almost till december, changes matties life once and for all. Its a comingofage novel about a fourteenyearold during the days of the great yellow fever epidemic. Students would enjoy this book because its a good story. Oct 08, 2019 the death toll from a yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia hits 100 on october 11, 1793. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading an american plague. Fever 1793 is about the yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia that happened in the late summer of 1793. January book report a historical fiction novel for teens written by laurie halse anderson and steve scott. It portrays the agony and pain this disease brought upon the american people marking its place in history in. There were times of hardship and heartbreak, but just enough times of laughter and joy, so that the book wasnt too heavy.
The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 is a young adult nonfiction title that draws on firsthand accounts and explores the fever s historical context, sharing fever 1793 s emphasis on the lifesaving efforts of the free africans. The death toll from a yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia hits 100 on october 11, 1793. Matilda lives with her mother and grandfather above the family coffeehouse. In an american plague, jim murphy tells the story of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. Get an answer for what are some historical facts mentioned in fever 1793. Her body is changing, she cant stand the sound of her mothers voice, and she has a mega crush on a cute painter guy named. Most of the research for this book was done in their excellent collection of newspapers, diaries, letters, and account books written during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. In 1793, philadelphia was reeling from an epidemic of yellow fever. The story is definitely written for preteen children, not young adults. The opening scene of andersons ambitious novel about the yellow fever epidemic that ravaged philadelphia in the late 18th century shows a hint of the gallows.
Bizarre medical practices of the time are discussed, as well as popular historical figures, such as george washington and benjamin rush, who were involved in finding a cure for this horrific outbreak. She lives in philadelphia and has no additional siblings. Fever 1793 book trailer laurie halse anderson youtube. If you werent afraid of mosquitoes before, you might be after reading this novel. We follow the epidemic through matilda cook and her small group of family and friends. Due to most fleeing, that meant all of the food source was gone as.
Fever, 1793 book douglas county libraries bibliocommons. Fever 1793 is a standalone, youngreaders novel written by laurie halse. On august 19, 1793, the first fatality of yellow fever, peter aston, became a topic of general conversation according to mathew carey, irishborn american publisher and first hand witness to the beginning of the plague. Fever 1793, is a historical fiction book written by laurie halse anderson, which is based on an epidemic, known as yellow fever that had taken place in philadelphia during 1793, killing a few thousand individuals. Although writing is done in solitude, it was my good fortune to work with and be supported by a wonderful group of people as i researched and wrote this book. Inspired by the yellow fever epidemic that struck and killed almost 5,000 people in philadelphia in the late summer months of 1793, andersons story follows matilda cook. In 1793 philadelphia, sixteenyearold matilda cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and selfreliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a.
See more ideas about yellow fever, historical fiction and fever book. In 1793 philadelphia, sixteenyearold matilda cook, separated from her sick mother. The yellow fever epidemic started in august of 1793 and lasted through october, when finally a hard frost blanketed the city, killing the mosquitoes spreading the disease. Ive heard stories of a fever among the santo domingan refugees.
In the middle of the book, the story becomes more melodramatic as it focuses on the main character as she tries desperately to find her mother and a place for her grandfather and her as the fever engulfs the city. This imaginary account of the philly yellow fever epidemic of 1793 is both remarkable as well as haunting. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Matilda mattie cook is a fourteenyearold girl living above a coffeehouse in philadelphia with her mother, grandfather a former military man, a parrot named king george, and an orange cat named silas. Yellow fever, or american plague as it was known at the time. This book tells the story of a yellow fever epidemic which hit philadelphia in 1793, and killed several thousand residents. Mattie and her mother travel to the ogilvies expensive and large home where they are greeted by mrs. After lucille gets yellow fever, mattie and grandfather flee to. What are some historical facts mentioned in fever 1793.
When yellow fever takes over the city, mattie must accept responsibility in. This made the city vacant, only leaving behind the poor who could not afford the trip to the country. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 is the tragic story of the yellow fever epidemic and how it affected thousands upon thousands of lives, and in turn, the nation. Fever 1793 novel encyclopedia of greater philadelphia.
While fever 1793 is a publication written for youngsters, i would certainly not wait to recommend it for adult readers. Fever 1793 study guide from litcharts the creators of. The character of matilda mattie cook in fever 1793 from. An american plague the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 by jim murphy provides a historic account of the devastation brought on by the relentless, invisible plague that literally brought philadelphia and the federal government to its knees. Their son, noah one year older than luna, is always pestering and making life. I learned so much that id never known about the yellow fever epidemic in colonial times, yet the information melts into the story so well, that not for a moment is the book laden. At the same time george washington was in the early years of developing our government and establishing policies to conduct our government with integrity and vision. I dont think the actual story itself is true, but it is historical fiction, and things that happen in the book the yellow fever epidemic happened in real life. Reading fever 1793 you get so pulled into the story that it feels like youre there.
This test is designed to test your knowldege about the book fever 1793. This is a story about matildas transformation from a careless child to a responsible, strongwilled, and kindhearted young woman. Fever 1793, is a very powerful book because of the intense action, the interactions between the characters, and the authors style. Fever, 1793 is a ya historical novel by american author laurie halse anderson, published in 2000. Published in 2000, fever 1793 is a young adult novel that tells the story of a 14 yearold girl named mattie cook, who fights to survive the yellow fever epidemic. This combined with the dry, hot summer and low water tables of 1793 created the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and the spread of yellow fever. Jan 02, 2017 29 videos play all fever of 1793 doodle noodles hot bowl o romen.
During the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia, sixteenyearold matilda learns to cope with the loss of. Jim murphy has woven a list of facts into a story worth telling and more importantly, worth reading. Matilda cook is a 14yearold girl who grows up in philadelphia with her widowed mother and her grandfather. Now at the age of 16, shes still working for the richardsons. The subtitle why must books so often have subtitles now. During the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia, sixteenyearold matilda cook gains new. Comprehension by chapter, vocabulary challenges, creative reading response activities and projects, tests, and much more.
The problem in the book fever 1793 is the outbreak of yellow fever in philadelphia in the year 1793. Fever 1793 kindle edition by laurie halse anderson, lori earley. This is andersons first historical fiction book which describes the worst epidemic of yellow fever in america. A picture book, ndito runs, was a 1996 pick of the lists from the american booksellers association. Thousands died over half fled to safer landareas, almost all the rest sick, and few well. It is spread by mosquitos and is still common in south america and africa. Eliza, a free black woman, is the coffeehouse cook. Her title, speak, was named a 2000 printz honor book by the american library association and was a finalist for the 1999 national book award. The fever 1793 community note includes chapterbychapter summary and analysis, character list, theme list, historical context, author biography and quizzes written by community members like you. Set in late colonial philadelphia and based on true events, the story follows fourteenyearold mattie cook as the city she lives in falls prey to a deadly outbreak of yellow fever. Fever, 1793 summary matilda mattie cook is a fourteenyearold girl living above a coffeehouse in philadelphia with her mother, grandfather a former military man, a parrot named king george, and an orange cat named silas. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 is a young adult nonfiction title that draws on firsthand accounts and explores the fevers historical context, sharing fever 1793 s emphasis on the lifesaving efforts of the free africans. Laurie halse andersons fever, 1793 is a novel about a fourteenyearold girl named matilda mattie cook who comes of age during the infamous yellow fever.