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About the Book Fever 1793

Set against the backdrop of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793, Laurie Halse Anderson's Fever 1793 is an engaging historical novel that follows the story of 14-year-old Matilda "Mattie" Cook. Mattie lives with her mother and grandfather, working in the family’s coffeehouse. Life isn't easy, but the coffeehouse offers a semblance of stability and routine.

However, as the fever begins to spread, everything changes. The city descends into chaos, with families fleeing, businesses closing, and death becoming a common sight. When Mattie's mother falls ill, Mattie must make the difficult decision to leave with her grandfather. Their journey is fraught with peril, and Mattie is forced to grow up quickly, facing challenges and making decisions that will shape her future.

Through resilience and determination, Mattie navigates the hardships, eventually returning to Philadelphia to find her family and community forever changed. The novel ends on a hopeful note as the frost finally kills off the mosquitoes carrying the disease, signaling the end of the epidemic and the beginning of a new chapter for Mattie and those who survived.

Fever 1793 is an ALA Best Book For Young Adults winner.

Themes in the book Fever 1793

Survival and Resilience: One of the most prominent themes in Fever 1793 is survival. Mattie's struggle to stay alive amidst the epidemic showcases human resilience and the will to persevere against all odds.

Growth and Maturity: The epidemic forces Mattie to grow up quickly. Her transition from a carefree girl to a responsible young adult underscores the theme of personal growth and maturity.

Family and Community: The novel highlights the importance of family and community in times of crisis. The bonds Mattie shares with her family and the relationships she forms with others during the epidemic underscore the significance of support systems.

Fear and Courage: The novel explores the duality of fear and courage. While the epidemic induces widespread fear, it also brings out acts of bravery and kindness, showing how people can rise above their fears to help others.

Socioeconomic Disparities: Fever 1793 also touches on the theme of socioeconomic disparities. The epidemic affects people from all walks of life, but the differences in how various social classes experience and respond to the crisis are evident.

Activity Ideas   for the book Fever 1793

Historical Context Exploration: Encourage students to research the historical background of the yellow fever epidemic in 1793. This can include the medical understanding of the disease at the time, the impact on Philadelphia, and how it was eventually controlled.

Character Analysis: Have students analyze the development of key characters, focusing on how they change throughout the story. This can include writing character journals or creating character maps.

Theme Discussions: Organize group discussions around the major themes of the book. Each group can present their findings and insights, fostering a deeper understanding of the novel's messages.

Creative Writing Assignments: Ask students to write a diary entry from the perspective of a character in the book. This can help them empathize with the characters and better understand their experiences.

Compare and Contrast Essays: Have students write essays comparing the yellow fever epidemic in the novel to modern-day pandemics. This can help them draw parallels and reflect on how societies respond to health crises.