This historical fiction book by Laurie Halse Anderson is about how people living in Philadelphia at the time of the spread of Yellow Fever. I would recommend this book to lovers of the historical fiction genre. In the summer of 1793, Philadelphia, Matilda Cook lived with her grandfather and mother above their coffeehouse. Matilda, her mother, and their worker Eliza worked hard selling treats, meals, and drinks at their coffeehouse. Matilda did chores and helped with serving food and drinks. One day Matilda was ordered to water the garden. Matilda filled up a bucket of water and watered the plants. Polly, Matilda’s best friend, had been on Matilda’s mind all day. Even while watering plants. When Matilda saw her mother, she popped up the question …show more content…
There was another death recently. A doctor at the coffeehouse said the person’s death could have been caused by Yellow Fever. Others called the idea preposterous. The Yellow Fever hasn’t been in Philadelphia for 30 years. A week later, 64 people died. Rumors spread like a disease. Was it really the fever that had killed many people? Just then, Mattie’s mother became sick. She became diagnosed with Yellow Fever. Mattie and her Grandfather were told to leave the city as it was too dangerous for them to stay in a fever ridden city. Mattie was very against the idea of leaving her home and sick mother, but she went with her grandfather and left, leaving her sick mother and home. Mattie and Grandfather were sent to the Ludington’s, a family who raised animal and had a farm. During the journey to the Ludington’s, they were stopped by soldiers. The soldiers checked to make sure anyone passing through was fever free. Mattie’s Grandfather was asleep. Mattie tried to wake him up in time. After shaking her Grandfather multiple times, he finally woke up. He woke up with a coughing fit. The doctor diagnosed Mattie’s Grandfather with Yellow Fever and demanded Mattie and her Grandfather be sent back to the city. They were both thrown out their carriage and forced to walk back to Philadelphia. After being stranded, Mattie and her Grandfather were left to find shelter and food on their own. While Mattie’s Grandfather settled under a chestnut