Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson

1. Historical Context:

   • How does the author depict the historical setting of Philadelphia in 1793, particularly during the yellow fever epidemic? In what ways does the historical context influence the characters and events?

2. Character Development:

   • Discuss the character of Mattie Cook and her development throughout the novel. How does the yellow fever epidemic impact her growth, relationships, and understanding of the world?

3. Themes of Survival:

   • Explore the theme of survival in the novel. How do different characters cope with the challenges posed by the epidemic, and what strategies do they employ to survive?

4. Loss and Grief:

   • The novel explores themes of loss and grief. How do characters deal with the death of loved ones, and how does the epidemic affect the community's collective sense of loss?

5. Community Dynamics:

   • Analyze the dynamics within the community as the yellow fever spreads. How do fear and uncertainty affect relationships, cooperation, and trust among the residents of Philadelphia?

6. Social Inequality:

   • Discuss the portrayal of social inequality in the novel. How do economic disparities influence characters' experiences during the epidemic? In what ways does the epidemic exacerbate existing social divisions?

7. Medical Understanding:

   • Explore the historical understanding of medicine and disease in 1793. How do characters grapple with the mysteries of the yellow fever, and how does this reflect the state of medical knowledge during that period?

8. Parent-Child Relationships:

   • The novel depicts various parent-child relationships. How do characters navigate their roles as caregivers, and how do these relationships evolve in the face of adversity?

9. Role of Women:

   • Consider the roles of women in the novel, particularly Mattie's journey and the challenges she faces as a young woman during this historical period. In what ways does the epidemic impact traditional gender roles?

10. Friendship and Loyalty:

    • Discuss the theme of friendship and loyalty. How do characters support each other during difficult times, and how do these relationships contribute to their resilience?

11. Change and Transformation:

    • How do characters and the community transform over the course of the novel? In what ways do the challenges posed by the epidemic lead to personal and societal changes?

12. Relevance to Today:

    • Consider the relevance of the novel's themes to contemporary times. Are there parallels between the yellow fever epidemic in 1793 and challenges faced by communities today?

The yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793 was a devastating event that unfolded over several months. Here is a timeline outlining key events during the yellow fever epidemic:

1793:

• Late Spring/Early Summer: The yellow fever outbreak begins in Philadelphia. The first cases are reported, but the cause of the illness is not immediately understood.

• July 14: Dr. Benjamin Rush, a prominent physician in Philadelphia, publishes a letter describing the symptoms of the disease and advising people on how to avoid infection. However, the origin and nature of the illness remain unclear.

• August 5: The death toll increases significantly, and panic starts to grip the city. Many residents begin to flee in an attempt to escape the epidemic.

• August 14: Dr. Benjamin Rush correctly identifies mosquitoes as carriers of the disease, but his theory is not widely accepted at the time.

• August 19: The city authorities, recognizing the severity of the epidemic, begin implementing public health measures such as quarantine zones and disinfection efforts.

• September 1: The epidemic reaches its peak, with a high number of cases and fatalities reported daily.

• September 10: The epidemic begins to subside, and the number of new cases decreases. Many residents who had fled the city begin to return.

• September 26: The city government officially ends the quarantine, signaling the official conclusion of the epidemic. However, sporadic cases continue to be reported.

• October: The weather turns colder, and with the onset of autumn, the mosquito population decreases. This, along with the quarantine measures, contributes to the decline of the epidemic.

• November: The city gradually returns to normalcy, but the impact of the epidemic on the population and the city's social and economic fabric is profound.

After 1793:

• Long-Term Impact: The yellow fever epidemic of 1793 had a lasting impact on Philadelphia. The death toll is estimated to have been in the thousands, and the city's population experienced a significant decline.

• Medical Advances: The epidemic spurred further research into yellow fever and contributed to advancements in medical understanding, particularly regarding the role of mosquitoes in transmitting the disease.

• Urban Planning: The experience of the epidemic influenced urban planning and sanitation measures in Philadelphia, as well as in other cities facing similar health crises.

The yellow fever epidemic of 1793 was a tragic and transformative event in Philadelphia's history, impacting the city socially, economically, and medically. The timeline provides a broad overview of the key events during this challenging period.

Laurie Halse Anderson is an American author known for her contributions to young adult literature. Born on October 23, 1961, in Potsdam, New York, Anderson has gained widespread acclaim for her novels that tackle important and often challenging topics faced by teenagers. 

Early Life:

• Laurie Beth Halse was born on October 23, 1961, in Potsdam, New York.
• She grew up in a family that valued education and literature, fostering her love for reading and writing from an early age.

Education:

• Laurie Halse Anderson attended Onondaga Community College, where she studied art.
• She later transferred to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she earned a bachelor's degree in languages and linguistics.

Early Writing Career:

• Anderson's early career involved writing for newspapers and magazines, including The Philadelphia Inquirer.
• She began her writing career by penning articles, essays, and picture books for children.

Debut Novel:

• Laurie Halse Anderson's debut novel, "Ndito Runs," was published in 1996. It is a picture book for children.

Breakthrough with "Speak":

• Anderson gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim with her novel "Speak," published in 1999. The novel, written in the first person, addresses the traumatic experience of a teenage girl named Melinda Sordino.

Notable Works:

• "Speak" (1999): The novel explores themes of trauma, silence, and finding one's voice. It has become a seminal work in young adult literature.

• "Wintergirls" (2009): This novel deals with themes of eating disorders and mental health.

• "Chains" (2008) and "Forge" (2010): These historical novels are part of the "Seeds of America" trilogy, exploring the American Revolutionary War from the perspective of a young slave.

• "The Impossible Knife of Memory" (2014): Addressing the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this novel follows the story of a teenager dealing with her father's experiences in the Iraq War.

• "Shout" (2019): A memoir in verse, "Shout" delves into Anderson's own experiences and explores the issues raised in her previous works.

Awards and Recognition:

• Laurie Halse Anderson has received numerous awards for her contributions to young adult literature, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens.

Advocacy:

• Anderson is a vocal advocate for the importance of literature for young readers and is actively involved in discussions about censorship, sexual assault awareness, and mental health.

Legacy:

• Laurie Halse Anderson's novels are widely used in schools and have sparked important conversations about sensitive topics, making her a significant figure in the realm of young adult literature.