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

Jim Murphy's "An American Plague" offers a gripping, meticulously researched account of the yellow fever epidemic that ravaged Philadelphia in 1793, then the nation's capital. The book details the unknown causes, the desperate search for cures, and the profound social and political upheaval caused by the disease. It explores the medical beliefs of the era, the heroic efforts of some, and the fear and prejudice that gripped the city. Parents will appreciate how the book not only brings a critical historical event to life but also draws thought-provoking parallels to modern-day public health crises, making it a valuable tool for discussing resilience, community, and scientific inquiry with middle-grade readers.

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. --