Deadly
A mysterious outbreak of typhoid fever is sweeping New York. Could the city's future rest with its most unlikely scientist?
Story: Every week more people fall ill, and despite thorough investigation, there's no cause in sight. It's not until sixteen-year-old Prudence Galewski takes a job as an assistant in a laboratory that the evidence begins to fall into place. It seems one person has worked in every home the fever has ravaged: Mary Mallon, an Irish immigrant quickly dubbed 'Typhoid Mary' by the press. Strangely, though, Mary hasn't been sick a day in her life. Is the accusation against her an act of discrimination? Or is she the first clue in a new scientific discovery?
Prudence is determined to find out. In a time when science is for men, she'll have to prove to the city, and to herself, that she can help solve one of the greatest medical mysteries of the twentieth century.
Story behind the story: "Growing up, kids joked about Typhoid Mary as a killer who intentionally infected millions," says author Julie Chibbaro. "When I learned the true story of the Irish immigrant who caused an epidemic in NYC in 1906, I knew I had to write Deadly. To battle this daunting woman, I had to create a strong teen girl who needed to stop the spreading fever. I called her Prudence – read her diary to find out how she overcame this deadly outbreak!"
About the author: Julie Chibbaro grew up in New York City wondering how so many people could live together without infecting one another with mortal diseases. After attending Performing Arts High School for theater, she ran away to Mexico, where she survived an earthquake and a motorcycle crash and learned a little something about death. Returning to New York, she decided to create her own fictional characters instead of playing them. Julie Chibbaro is the author of REDEMPTION, which won a 2005 American Book Award. Julie teaches fiction and creative writing in New York. .
About the author: Julie Chibbaro grew up in New York City wondering how so many people could live together without infecting one another with mortal diseases. After attending Performing Arts High School for theater, she ran away to Mexico, where she survived an earthquake and a motorcycle crash and learned a little something about death. Returning to New York, she decided to create her own fictional characters instead of playing them. Julie Chibbaro is the author of REDEMPTION, which won a 2005 American Book Award. Julie teaches fiction and creative writing in New York. .