Fever 1793

About six years ago, I had a group of 7th grade girls that were absorbed with historical fiction. I'm always curious about the reading waves that go through groups of friends, so I read a few of the books they were sharing. Many were by Ann Rinaldi (and I'll share some of her books later) but the first one the girls suggested I read was Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson. A good recommendation it was!

1793 was a great time to live in the United States' capital city of Philadelphia. Business was thriving for Lucille Cook and her daughter Matilda. Running a coffeehouse was respectable for a widow, but Mattie had other ideas. She wanted to expand the coffeehouse into something grander. But that would have to wait, because the news that suffocatingly hot August was that yellow fever was killing those people who lived near the docks. And it was spreading. In three months, nearly 5000 people died.

The wealthy fled for the cooler weather of the country and mountains. Told that they couldn't catch the fever, Negros cared for the sick - but they had been misinformed. Doctors bled patients and argued over treatments. And yellow cloth was tied to railings of homes where the fever was, including the coffeehouse when Mother became ill. Mattie is sent away originally, but she is forced to return to Philadelphia, where she begins the battle for her own life. Will this determined young lady survive and realize the dreams she has set out to achieve?

I think historical fiction is a great way to learn about history. Some may view a history textbook as being rather dry - but that's sort of the way a history textbook needs to be. Publishers don't want to present a biased account of historical events, so they stick to the facts. Unfortunately, facts don't necessarily appeal to everyone's learning style, but historical fiction might engage a learner.

If you haven't had exposure to historical fiction, I would definitely encourage you to seek it out. Remember, it's not just fiction that takes place in another time period. Historical fiction is a story set within the confines of an actual historical event or era, and although the character may be fictitious, usually his or her story is also based on things that happened during that time. It's really wonderful and has a unique flavor all its own. Try it - you'll like it!