An American Plague by Jim Murphy offers a compelling, well-researched account of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. Praised for its vivid narrative and historical accuracy, it engages readers with its detailed storytelling. However, some critics find it slightly dense for younger audiences. Overall, it’s an informative and gripping read suitable for history enthusiasts.

Ideal for history and medical enthusiasts ages 12 and up, readers of An American Plague will appreciate its vivid recounting of the 1793 yellow fever outbreak in Philadelphia. Comparable to The Great Fire by Jim Murphy and Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, it combines detailed research with gripping storytelling.

An American Plague by Jim Murphy chronicles the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 in Philadelphia, illustrating how the fever emerged, spread, and induced chaos. Amid widespread panic, key individuals and groups, including the College of Physicians and the Free African Society, work to restore order and provide care. The book explores urban power dynamics, race relations, and public health responses of the time. Sensitive topics such as severe illness and death are present throughout.

Informative / Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Challenging

- An American Plague by Jim Murphy was awarded the Newbery Honor in 2004, recognizing it as one of the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children that year.
- The book was also named a National Book Award Finalist in the Young People's Literature category, highlighting its impact and excellence in the genre.
- Jim Murphy's meticulous research for An American Plague includes primary sources from the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, providing a vivid historical context to the narrative.

**Benjamin Rush**  
A prominent physician in Philadelphia during the yellow fever outbreak known for his controversial treatment methods and involvement in debates regarding the fever's causes.

**Matthew Clarkson**  
Mayor of Philadelphia in 1793 who takes charge during the yellow fever epidemic by assembling a committee to manage the crisis despite lacking formal authority.

**George Washington**  
The first president of the United States, residing in Philadelphia during the initial fever cases but leaves for Mount Vernon, inadvertently causing a constitutional issue.

**Absalom Jones and Richard Allen**  
Leaders of the Free African Society who assist patients during the outbreak and later publish a book refuting claims made against African American nurses.

**Israel Israel**  
A tavern keeper and committee member who actively aids in managing the city during the fever epidemic and later runs for political office as an advocate for the poor.

**Stephen Girard and Peter Helm**  
Committee members who take over the running of Bush Hill hospital, implementing improvements that significantly enhance its reputation.

**Jean Devèze**  
A French doctor volunteering at Bush Hill with prior experience treating yellow fever, known for his opposition to aggressive treatment methods.

**Reverend J. Henry C. Helmuth**  
A Lutheran pastor in Philadelphia who interprets the epidemic as divine punishment and remains to offer spiritual support to the afflicted.

**Matthew Carey**  
A publisher who writes about the yellow fever epidemic, including controversial observations about African American nurses, despite his anti-slavery stance.

**Jesse Lazear**  
A doctor whose work with the US Army Yellow Fever Commission in Cuba helps advance the understanding of the disease's transmission by mosquitoes.

**Walter Reed**  
Leader of the US Army Yellow Fever Commission, whose experiments establish the Aedes aegypti mosquito as a vector for yellow fever transmission.

Jim Murphy

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

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