An American Plague by Jim Murphy

Published by: Clarion Books 


Beginning on August 3, 1793, this Nonfiction novel depicts the horrors experienced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the epidemic of Yellow Fever. Telling the story of what it was like to live during such a terrifying experience, the novel examines life at the time and the conditions of the cities during an epidemic. Readers get a glimpse of how it is to live in an epidemic as well as the idea of the fast spread of disease.

Reading Index: Lexile: 1130L; Ages: 10-14

Suggested Delivery: Independent read or small-group read.

Teaching Suggestions:


Vocabulary:
Epidemic, Yellow Fever, plague, scavengers, meteorite, scourge, privy, bleeders, inquietude, fugitives, irrational. 

Vocabulary Activity: 

Have small groups of students research terms in relation to the Yellow Fever. Have these small groups then present to the class the terms, introducing the students to the concepts addressed in the novel. 

Teaching Strategies:


Pre-Reading: 

Create a KWL chart relating to the Yellow Fever and the history during the time of this epidemic.

During Reading: 

Have students answer questions concerning the information addressed in the book created by the teacher such as: what was the yellow fever? why and where did it happen? how did it affect people? what was going on in the world at the time? Have a discussion related to these questions. 

After Reading Activity/ Writing:

Students will write a narrative journal account as if they are present during this epidemic. They will address feelings and experiences similar to what has been expressed in the novel. The students will also explain what they would do in such a situation.

Students can also create a timeline of what occurred during the Yellow Fever. 

Web Resources: 


Resources/Activities: 
http://www.highsmith.com/pdf/librarysparks/2010/lsp_jan10_ll.pdf

Scholastic:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3751212

Description of Yellow Fever:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002341/

Timeline of Yellow Fever in America:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/fever/timeline/

More About the Author and Novel:   

http://jimmurphybooks.com/americanplague.htm

Murphy, J. (2003). An American plague: the true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. New York: Clarion Books.