Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

In 1793 Philadelphia, sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic.

Liz says:

“As much as this is great historical fiction it is also a harrowing story of survival. Mattie is incredible; she faces hardship after hardship with unceasing heroism. There are very entertaining side stories, as well, including a romance. I’ve never met someone who didn’t like this book. (Don’t miss the author’s note at the back where she tells about her years of research. You’ll be amazed at all of the factual detail.)”