Monday, May 5, 2014

The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson

It is 1854 in London, and people are getting sick.  They have cholera also known as the blue death.  Eel is helping the best he can but all of the people around him are dying.  He and his best friend must find a way to help all of the people in the London neighborhood around Broad Street.  Eel has 3 jobs to help pay someone to keep his secret.  His first job pays for his room and food; his second gives him half the money he needs to pay for his secret; his third is for a doctor that explores scientific and medical research.  When his second employer's family is sick, Eel goes to the doctor to get help.  The doctor listens but explains that the family will die, but he wants to explore the reason that they were getting cholera.  The doctor has a new theory, but people won't believe him without proof.  Eel and his best friend, Florrie, must find the proof needed to prevent more deaths.  Will they find it in time for the meeting with the board?  Will anyone believe Eel since he is just a mudlark?  Will Eel be able to protect his secret?

cover_imageFind out in The Great Trouble by Deborah Hopkinson.  Book 1--in SRC14

This is historical fiction and based on the 1854 London cholera epidemic.  LOVED this book.  It reminded me of Fever by Laurie Halse Anderson.  Also, it made me think of Code Orange by Caroline Cooney.

No comments:

Post a Comment