About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with a major life transition or feeling overwhelmed by news of global or local health crises. It is a powerful tool for discussing how resilience is forged in moments of extreme pressure. Set during the terrifying Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793, the story follows fourteen-year-old Mattie Cook as her world collapses, forcing her to abandon her adolescent dreams to fight for her family's survival in a city gripped by panic. Through Mattie's eyes, parents can explore themes of grief, independence, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. This book is developmentally appropriate for ages 10 to 15, offering a realistic but ultimately hopeful look at how young people can find hidden reserves of strength when their community is in turmoil.
