Fever 1793

Fever 1793
Anderson Laurie Halse
ISBN 0689848919

In America we don't have much experience with epidemics. The closest we have come lately is the H1N1 flu. In the late 18th century things were much different. People didn't really understand how yellow fever started or spread. One thing was for sure, once it started death and destruction was a certainty.
Mattie Cook lives in Philadelphia with her mother and grandfather where they run a respectable coffee shop. Life turns upside down as the fever spreads through the city. Mattie's mother becomes sick and sends her to the countryside to stay with relatives. Unable to reach her destination Mattie becomes ill and eventually returns to the city. She is unprepared for the sight and smell of death and illness. Rising to the occasion to help her family, Mattie is a strong female character, one that we can be proud of.
Laurie Halse Anderson writes a compelling story educates as well as entertains.