An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy

This book takes readers through the yellow fever epidemic from the beginning when nobody paid much attention to the talk of fever down by the river to the height of the epidemic in which hundreds of people were dying everyday to the end when frost finally released the city from sickness. Each chapter features a page from the Federal Gazette newspaper that shows the progression of the epidemic and the public response to it. Detailed information about the major players in this tragedy is provided (i.e. Dr. Benjamin Rush) as well as discussion concerning the political and social events surrounding this outbreak and special attention is paid to medical beliefs and practices in the 18th century.

A thorough sources section at the end of the book points to further reading on a variety of topics including: firsthand accounts, yellow fever in fiction and nonfiction, medical practices in the 18th century, Philadelphia then and after, George Washington, Blacks in Philadelphia, mosquitoes, and other plagues.

This book works well when paired with Fever, 1793. Due to the nature of this subject this text and/or the study of this topic would be suitable for readers in the 6th grade and up.

Genre: Nonfiction

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

The Titanic: An Interactive History Adventure by Bob Temple

Readers choose their fate on history's most famous ocean liner. After a brief history and introduction to the layout of the ship, readers can choose to be a first class passenger, a third class passenger, or a crewmember. Each choice has its consequences and not all choices lead to a watery grave. The story concludes with an explanation of what really happened when Titanic struck an iceberg and eventually sunk and the aftermath. A timeline of events is included as well as a glossary of terms, a bibliography and suggestions for further reading and notable Internet websites. This book is a very accessible introduction to a sad moment in history and would be suitable for third grade and up.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Temple, B. (2008). The Titanic: An interactive history adventure. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Look Around a Medieval Castle by Clare Hibbert

In this book readers are taken on a virtual tour of the historic medieval castle Krak des Chevaliers as it functioned in 1270. Rooms/areas of interest include the kitchens and latrines, armory, hospital, and dungeon. Each page contains illustrations and information relating to the room such as how food was prepared, gardens, and what crusaders dined on are some of the topics covered on the pages that deal with the kitchens and latrines. Students third grade and up will enjoy this informational virtual tour of a medieval castle.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Hibbert, C. (2008). Look around a medieval castle. Mankato, MN: Arcturus.