Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson

 Elsbeth Culpepper and her father move to Boston from Philadelphia after her mother and siblings die from the smallpox. Mr. Culpepper is employed as a sailmaker. Elsbeth is a kitchen maid in a separate location. She longs to apprentice as a seamstress. When her employer,a Loyalist, flees Boston, Elsbeth finds new employment, where the head kitchen maid is cruel and nasty. With the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, readers experience this era and the smallpox inoculation first hand through Elsbeth's first-person account.

I enjoyed this riveting tale. Ms. Anderson researches extensively and knows how to develop credible characters and how to immerse the reader into the historical event. 

Warning: Elsbeth is a liar. Lying is her natural defense and solution. Her lies eventually get her into trouble. I still liked her as a character-her compassion, her perseverance, her cleverness are all admirable. 

-Borrowed from the library.

Joni by Joni Eareckson Tada**

 I read aloud this autobiography to my youngest son this summer. It truly is "an unforgettable story". Joni relates her spiritual and mental state before, during, and after her diving accident plus her physical struggles. Her struggles are relatable. I especially appreciate how she does not excuse or explain away her spiritual immaturity. The reader feels like he is right there with her and growing with her. 

Warning/discuss: Joni engages in physical activities with boyfriends-no details and not sex, she also struggles with lustful thoughts

**Highly, highly recommend.

-I own this book.

Evidence! by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by Nik Henderson*

 When cholera breaks out in the neighborhood along Broad Street, London, England, in 1854, Dr. John Snow is convinced it is not the stinky air causing the illness. Can he provide enough evidence to stop the outbreak from killing more people?

*Highly recommend.  I did not care for the illustrations.

Pair with The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson, her middle grade historical fiction novel about the same subject.

-Borrowed from the library.

An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor

 This novel was like a James Herriot book but set in Ireland with stories about a country medical doctor. Barry Laverty, fresh out of medical school, ventures to Ballybucklebo in Northern Ireland to be an assistant to Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly, a rural doctor. Dr. O'Reilly's unconventional methods challenge Dr. Laverty, but overtime he realizes their effectiveness with the rural folk. The character development is superb. I thoroughly enjoyed losing myself in this fictional village. I am not highly recommending it because of the warnings below. Concerning the warnings, I wasn't surprised about what I encountered in this novel since we visited Ireland this summer and witnessed how they "talk". 

Warnings: swearing, crass humor, abortion is discussed-not performed but O'Reilly says even though he won't do an abortion, it would be better to do it in a medical office than in a back alley (at the time of the novel abortion was illegal),  Laverty makes a grab for his girlfriend's chest but nothing progresses, drinking/getting drunk, a predominant man tries to mess around with his house help and makes vulgar comments about a body part, One of the characters also mentions he does not believe in God as he cannot understand how a god could allow suffering.

-Borrowed from the library.

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson*

 A blurb in our history textbook mentioned how the yellow fever of 1793 caused the American govenment to leave Philadelphia for a few months. I recalled reading a review of this book on RAR and requested it from the library for my son to read. He devoured it. By reading it, he learned a lot about this time period and how early Americans handled illness. I also read it and was impressed how well the plot was executed, how well the characters were developed and how well the research was incorporated. Our colonial ancestor, Dr. Benjamin Rush, was mentioned throughout the book. His practices were erroneous (!), but the author's note shared about his advanced views on humanity and how he treated them with dignity. The author's note is fascinating and enriching reading.

It would be interesting to compare how the characters handled the epidemic to how we handled covid in modern times.

*Highly recommend.

Consider: It is a "young adult" novel. Matilda Cook, the main character, experiences a budding romance with a young man. Nothing inappropriate is included-it is a sweet relationship. A family member the reader will like dies. The numerous people die. Gruesome details of people dying and suffering are included.

-Borrowed from the library.

A Day in the Life of a Colonial Doctor by Laurie Krebs

 Ms. Krebs explains how a colonial doctor would treat patients through the life of Benjamin Rush, a doctor and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The reader also learns about Benjamin Rush's contritubtions to colonial America and to the medical field.

Simple text for nonfiction.

-Borrowed from the library.

Ambushed! The Assassination Plot Against President Garfield by Gail Jarrow**

 *Award winner- Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Winner-YALSA-ALA

Part of her Medical Fiascoes series

What a fascinating and immersive book! As I was reading this to myself, I would read aloud parts to my oldest son and also to my husband (whoever was in the same room as me!).

Ms. Jarrow writes about President Garfield and his killer, Charles Guiteau, in such an entertaining and engaging manner, one forgets the book is nonfiction! She reinforces how interesting history is. Although she reveals both men's upbringings, she focuses mainly on the political climate, the reason behind the plot to kill Garfield, the actual assissination and then the medical community's failing attempt to properly care for Garfield.  At times it is graphic (his medical condition, medical procedures etc), so sensitive readers may not enjoy those details. Sidenotes abound, strengthening the fact that history involves many enthralling rabbit trails!

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library. I asked my local library director to buy this book for our library. She did! 

16 Words William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" by Lisa Rogers illustrated by Chuck Groenink*

Since high school one of my favorite poems has been "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams. The word choice is superb.

This picture book delves into the man who may have inspired the poem. It also reveals when and how Mr. Williams would write his poems. The muted illustrations are detailed and transport the reader to that time period.

*Highly recommend.

Point to discuss:  one illustration shows a mother in delivery position (everything is covered) with Mr. Williams holding a clean, happy baby . . .with forceps in a bowl. Curious children may ask some questions!!

-Borrowed from the library.

The Simple of Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo*

 I borrowed this book and a few other middle grade books from the library recently.  My eleven-year-old son read all of them, but liked this one the best.  In fact, he read it in one day and purchased it the next day!  He "highly, highly recommends" it!

Alastair longs to escape the pet store where he and his sister, Aggie, were born.  But a broken wing and being bought by a different owner than his sister soon halt his plans.  As he marinates in his misery, he becomes, horror of all horrors, a "feather picker"!  Will he ever see his sister again?

The story is told from three points of view: Alastair, Fritz (12-year-old boy), and Bertie Plopky (a lonely widow).  Ms. Leonardo  weaves their stories beautifully through a variety of formats (regular narrative, poetry, letters and medical logs).  I loved her allusions to literature and poetry.  

To be honest, I did not care for Alastair's attitude and outlook on life.  Mrs. Plopky was a delight.  Fritz was admirable and likable.  

This story proclaims the necessity for hope, loyalty and friendship.

Ms. Leonardo is having a new book released February 23, 2021 called The Hedgehog of Oz .  We asked our library to purchase it.  

Although God is not mentioned, her dedication and her acknowledgments indicate she esteems Him.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library, but now own it thanks to my son!!  😀

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson*

 Zachariah Junior has always been his dad's "little man".  His pro-football father is his hero.  Then his dad begins to have untreatable headaches, begins to forget, begins to have bursts of anger, begins to have moods.  Doctors do not have answers.  Will his dad ever remember again and create songs with him?

Ms. Woodson reveals the agony families endure when a loved one suffers from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).  Her character development is superb.  I love and admire Zachariah and his mother.  His friends exemplify how friends should be during a traumatic time.  

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Fever Year written and illustrated by Don Brown*

The Killer Flu of 1918
Little did Don Brown know when he was creating this book how relevant it would be this year!  It was just published in early September,  2019.  A little over a hundred years later we have a virus, coronavirus,  shutting down countries around the world.
Divided into three Acts according to time-frames, this graphic novel reveals its origins, its spread, and its effects.  At the end Mr. Brown shares how in 1995 the flu virus was recreated to research it further.  Various viewpoints on this resurrection were expressed.
This book offers a thorough overview of the disease/history of it plus an understanding of viruses and their impact.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson*

A Mystery of London, The Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel
Eel, an orphan, has faked his death to protect himself from his stepfather, Fisheye Bill Tyler.  Earning money by mudlarking, running messages for a brewery and caring for animals for Dr. Snow, Eel is able to pay off someone each Friday.  When he is accused of stealing, he loses his job (and shelter and food) at the brewery.  Then people from his neighbor begin to die.  He immediately recognizes it as the Blue Death (cholera).   What can he do?  He pleads with his one employer, Dr. John Snow, to help.  Together they investigate cholera and help prevent more deaths.
Based on an actual outbreak in 1854 in London.  Very well researched.  Ms. Hopkinson includes additional information about the historical events and actual people in the back.
The characters are well developed and the historical events are written in a very engaging, exciting manner.
The reader gradually discovers more about Eel's past as story progresses.  I really liked Eel and admired his pursuit of  honest employment and his loyalty to family and friends.  Some readers may not like how perfectly everything ended.  I like happy endings!
Warning: Fisheye Billy Tyler kidnaps Eel and beats him to learn information.
*Highly recommend (especially when studying Victorian England).
-Borrowed from the library.

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure by Camille Andros illustrated by Brianne Farley*

Sarah Mackenzie interviewed Ms. Andros last week her Read Aloud podcast.  Immediately, I requested all of her books!
This book is a must read for individuals who love science (and who want to promote it)!  Charlotte, a rabbit,  is a serious scientist.  Her grandfather tells her that she will make a difference in the world.  One day her grandfather becomes seriously ill, and soon other animals in the forest are infected by a strange malady.  Charlotte sets out to determine the cause and to find the cure.
Lots of alliteration!
Lots of science/medical words (glossary included in the back).
I read this aloud to my boys, and my nine year old immediately said, "Read it again!".  This book has been written for younger readers, but my boys seemed to like it too!
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.
--We will soon be reading the second book, Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished. 

A History of Germs The Black Death by Jim Ollhoff*

An interesting overview and history of the black death.

*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Auma's Long Run by Eucabeth Odhiambo*

Auma's dream is to receive a track scholarship so she may attend high school and then pursue a medical doctor degree.  Most girls in her small Kenyan village, however, marry after year eight of school.  Auma does not have time for boys as she studies, attends track practice and helps at home. 
Auma and her siblings' world is devastated when her father returns unexpectedly from Nairobi where he works and is very ill.  He dies from AIDS and has infected his wife.  Soon Auma and her siblings are orphans trying to survive and still attend school. Are Auma's dreams of being a track star and doctor -just that-dreams?
This book really reveals how traumatizing and devastating the AIDS epidemic was in Africa.  Ms. Odhiambo grew up in Kenya in the 1980's and 1990's so she was able to write a compelling story that immerses the reader in the culture and the epidemic.
A necessary book to broaden readers' worldview. 
*Highly recommend for older readers (see warnings/points to discuss).
Warnings/points to discuss: Auma begins her menstruation cycle; Her father had a mistress in the city which was how he became infected; older men in the village try to prey on virgin/younger girls to have sexual relations; death from AIDS  *The library has this book categorized as "young adult" fiction.
-Borrowed from the library.

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan*

Rachel Sheridan loves Africa and living there with her father who is a doctor missionary and her mother who is a teacher missionary.  But when they both die of the influenza, Rachel becomes a victim of an evil scheme.  She is whisked away from East Africa to England where is forced to pose as someone she is not.
Can she expose the evil scheme and return to Africa?
Very well written.  Ms. Whelan keeps the plot moving yet somehow weaves in the beauty of God's creation in both Africa and in the English countryside.  She also covers many years of Rachel's life in succinct yet interesting manner.
The library has this book categorized as "young adult".
Guided Reading Level: X (Grade 6)
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar*

Jonathan Fitzman creates Biolene, a bacteria, to be burned for clean fuel and energy.  One of the microbes mutates.
Marshall, a seventh grader at Woodridge Academy is sick of Chad, his taunts and threats.  Today Chad has declared he will settle things between them once and for all after school.  So Marshall takes a "short cut" home, the forbidden woods.  Tamaya, a fifth grader, always walks home with him so she follows.

As they wander in the woods (not really a short cut), Tamaya falls into a patch of mud that she describes as "fuzzy mud".  Something is growing on it.

They hear someone in the woods.  It is Chad.  He has pursued them.  To defend herself and Marshall, Tamaya throws the mud in Chad's face.  They escape.

When Tamaya arrives home to an empty house, she notices that her hand, where the mud was plastered,  is starting to blister with a coating of white powder.

A very exciting story!

I could see a teacher having a debate about Biolene after students read the story.  Lots of extended learning potential with this book!
Chapters switch from Tamaya's point of view to Marshall's perspective.  Some chapters contain hearings and interviews concerning the outbreak.  As a result, readers will have to monitor their comprehension and check for understanding.
Strategies: asking questions, character development, inferring, check for understanding
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: W (5th and higher)
Grade Level Equivalent: 5th

Terrible Typhoid Mary by Susan Campbell Bartoletti*

"A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America"
Mary Mallon, an Irish immigrant, was a fantastic cook and was loved by her employers.  She, however, was a healthy carrier of the deadly disease, typhoid.
After thorough research, Ms. Bartoletti presents Mary's life and the individuals who impacted how she lived out the rest of her days.
Ms. Bartoletti weaves into the story how people perceived doctors, medical findings and science during those years.  She also compares it to statistics to our current age.  Not only does this book share Mary's story but also the progress of medicine and medical research.
After reading this, the reader will be left  pondering about medical ethics and individual rights vs. the good for society.
Strategies: synthesizing, asking questions
*Highly recommend.
Very well researched and written in a "easy to digest" narrative.
Text features: time line, photographs
Borrowed from the library.
The library has this categorized as "Young Adult" (for junior high and older).

Invincible Microbe by Jim Murphy and Alison Blank*

"Tuberculosis and the Never-Ending Search for a Cure"
Well organized documented account on the first cases of tuberculosis (evidence found in ancient civilizations) to human determination to fight it and find a cure.
*Highly recommend.
Text features: table of contents, photos, pronunciations, photo captions, map, index
Borrowed from the library.  Categorized as "young adult".
Guided Reading Level: Z + (6th grade and up)

Super Sniffers Dog Detectives on the Job by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent*

This book is a must read!!  Just by reading the picture captions and a few stories to my second grader and preschooler, we learned a lot and were amazed!
With many photographs and very organized text, the author shares how dogs help humans-from sniffing out bombs to drugs to invasive weeds to cancer, dogs are a vital piece in helping mankind.

Text features: table of contents, headings, bold print, off-set text box (a story about a specific dog which supports the main idea of that specific page), picture captions, close ups, further reading/websites, index
*Highly recommend.