Ages 9+
It is one of the hottest summers anyone can remember in the nation's capital of Philadelphia in 1793, and Matilda "Mattie" Cook just wants to sleep in and not worry about her chores around her family's coffeehouse. Though as the heat is reaching all time highs, Mattie is no longer having to worry about chores or going to the market as rumors of a yellow fever outbreak spreads across the city. Soon thousands lay dead and families are fleeing Philadelphia in droves, and even though the Cook family coffeehouse is doing great business, sickness and death are approaching quickly to Mattie's door.
Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak, creates a protagonist who goes from a sheltered teen to a young woman in just a few months. Mattie has to learn to care and protect for others, sacrifice her own well being and health for the greater good, and make hard decisions that will affect her future while all around her the first great catastrophe of our young nation is playing out. Anderson peppers real historic individuals and portrays the time with authenticity. Mattie, her mom, and close friend Eliza are all portrayed as strong women and would be good female role models during any period.
Fever 1793 is an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults.
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