An American Plague facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Jim Murphy |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Nonfiction |
| Publisher | Clarion Books |
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Publication date
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June 3rd 2003 |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 176 pgs |
| ISBN | 978-0-395-77608-7 |
| OCLC | 50958941 |
An American Plague: the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 is an exciting nonfiction book written by Jim Murphy. It was published in 2003 by Clarion Books. This book tells the real and scary story of the yellow fever outbreak in 1793. It shows the struggles people faced during this difficult time.
An American Plague was recognized for its great storytelling. It was a finalist for the 2003 National Book Award. It also received a 2004 Newbery Honor Book, which is a special award for children's literature. The book helps us remember this important event in American history.
The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
The story takes place in 1793 in Philadelphia. At that time, Philadelphia was the biggest city in North America. Suddenly, a mysterious and deadly disease hit the city. This illness was unknown and had no cure. It was so severe that about half of the people who got sick did not survive.
Author Jim Murphy describes this terrible disease, known as yellow fever. He shows how it affected everyone living in Philadelphia. The book highlights the brave actions of the free Black community in Philadelphia. They played a heroic role in fighting this deadly sickness.
Murphy also explains the big problem faced by America's first president, George Washington. He had to leave Philadelphia because of the disease. This was a major crisis for the young country. A cure for yellow fever was not found until many years later.
Key People During the Epidemic
Many important people played a part during the yellow fever epidemic. Here are some of them:
Dr. Benjamin Rush: He was a doctor who tried a very bold treatment for yellow fever. His methods included taking blood from patients. He also gave them mercury and parts of a poisonous plant.
Mayor Matthew Clarkson: He was the only government leader who stayed in Philadelphia. He worked to deal with the city's problems during the outbreak.
President George Washington: He was busy with foreign affairs when the sickness started. He was out of touch with the government for six weeks. This happened while the yellow fever was spreading in Philadelphia.
Thomas Jefferson: He was the Secretary of State when the disease hit Philadelphia.
Edmond-Charles Genêt: He was the French Ambassador to the United States. He wanted Americans to help France with their revolution.
The Reverend J. Henry c. Helmuth: He believed the yellow fever was a punishment from God. He thought it was because people in Philadelphia were gambling and drinking more.
Absalom Jones: He helped build the St. George's United Methodist Church. After helping, he was told to sit at the back of the church by the church leaders.
Matthew Carey: He wrote a very popular book. It was called "A Short Account of the Malignant Fever".
Dr. William Currie: He thought the fever came from a shipment from the West Indies. He also claimed that it was not actually yellow fever.
Awards and Recognition
An American Plague received several important awards:
- Sibert Medal
- Newbery Honor
- National Book Award Finalist
- 2010 Margaret Edwards Award - This book was one of five titles that helped Jim Murphy receive this award.
